Agenesis and ankylosis are two major challenges in orthodontics. Defining options and clearly orienting the patient/parents to the best option is mandatory to tackle a tooth agenesis case, looking for long term possibilities of deciduous teeth, the easiest biomechanical solution, and the best aesthetic result. Ankylosis is usually related to dental trauma and its diagnosis poses a real challenge. The orthodontist needs to be sure about the need of an immediate intervention and define which is the best protocol to prevent bone loss: luxation to move and maintaining the tooth – even temporarily or extract the ankylosed permanent tooth. Strategy and timing are key. The bottom line is to learn how to deal with losses, both in orthodontics and in life.
Learning Objectives:
After this lecture, attendees will be able to:
Identify the sequelae of trauma of anterior maxillary teeth.
Acknowledge that treating agenesis should build synergy with the malocclusion characteristics.
Determine the best way and proper timing to tackle ankylosed teeth.
