Case report: Rehabilitation of a child with dentinogenesis imperfecta and congenitally missing lateral incisors.

BACKGROUND

Dentinogenesis imperfecta is one of the most common hereditary disorders of dentine formation. Opalescent teeth composed of irregularly formed and undemineralised dentine that obliterates pulp chambers and root canals characterize it. Complete-coverage crowns are usually the preferred restoration for patients with this condition.

CASE REPORT: A 9 year-old girl presented with dentinogenesis imperfecta, congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors and maxillary right permanent second molar retention.

TREATMENT: The treatment comprised an initial approach to allow the correct eruption of the retained second molar. The use of low-fusion metal ceramic restorations comprised a second stage to improve the aesthetic appearance and decrease the risk of overload on teeth with limited value.

FOLLOW-UP: The patient has been recalled regularly and at the last visit, 10 years after initial prosthetic treatment, no problems or signs of complications have occurred. The patient is now aged 25 years and is still satisfied with the prosthetic rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the need for appropriate and timely restorative treatment to prevent deterioration of the dentition. This case will also demonstrate that low-fusion metal ceramic restoration is a viable esthetic treatment option for today's patients.