Management of missing maxillary lateral incisors in general practice: space opening versus space closure.

The aim of this paper is to inform the reader of the main principles considered in the management of mild hypodontia involving the absence of one or more maxillary lateral incisors. With increasing demand and limited resources of hospital dental services, general dental practitioners (GDPs) are required to actively participate in the restorative management of mild hypodontia cases. The objectives of this article are to discuss the arguments for and against space opening versus space closure and to highlight key points to consider in treatment planning. The paper discusses advantageous scenarios for both space opening and space closing cases, with the aim of providing the reader with some basic concepts to apply to cases in general practice. Included in the paper is guidance for practitioners on the diagnosis of a missing maxillary incisor via the use of a flow chart and table. It is hoped that this paper will support and enhance the care delivered by GDPs in the restorative management of mild hypodontia patients.