Effects of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis on Skeletodental Characteristics in Mixed Dentition

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate skeletodental characteristics of patient with maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) in mixed dentition. It involved the children in early mixed dentition who visited Pusan National University dental hospital for orthodontic purposed and had intact primary canines. 38 children with MLIA and 38 controls with the same chronological age satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. The craniofacial structures and dental arch dimensions of the MLIA were evaluated using model & cephalometric analysis and compared to controls. The rate of unilateral MLIA was high in male and the rate of bilateral MLIA was high in female. In model analysis, the width / length ratio of maxillary anterior portion of the MLIA group were higher and arch perimeter of the maxilla of the MLIA group were smaller than those of the control group (p = 0.003, 0.04). Cephalometric analysis showed that there were no significant differences in terms of skeletal, dental analysis. In soft tissue profile, nasolabial angle was larger in MLIAs than in controls (p = 0.039). Considering these skeletodental characteristics of MLIA, early diagnosis and proper management is highly recommended to minimize the possibility of functional defect.