Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors: treatment.

The 2 major treatment approaches for congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors are space closure via orthodontic therapy, or space opening to allow prosthodontic replacements either with a fixed prosthesis or single-tooth implant. Both of these treatment approaches can potentially compromise aesthetics, periodontal health, and function. It is essential for an interdisciplinary dental specialty team to establish realistic treatment objectives, communicate the sequence of treatment, interact during treatment, evaluate dental and gingival aesthetics, and position teeth to permit proper prosthetic treatment. If this interdisciplinary approach is used, the aesthetics and long-term dental health of the patient following treatment will be greatly enhanced.