The first procedure: orthodontics
In the first procedure, the back teeth can be moved forward and the diastasis between the front teeth will be corrected. The implementation of this procedure depends on the patient’s condition. This procedure is called space closure. This is the preferred treatment procedure over other procedures for the majority of cases. Because in this procedure, the space between the teeth is filled with the patient’s other teeth, and no dentures or foreign bodies are placed in the patient’s mouth. Otherwise, an Implant must be placed in the spaces of the missing teeth.
The second procedure: prosthodontics
In most cases, closure of the missing space is preferable to placement of prosthodontics, but the final treatment plan must be implemented based on the patient’s condition, missing teeth or crowded teeth, the patient’s side view, front teeth protrusion, and radiographic images.
Below are photographs of a patient with congenital loss of two upper teeth. Over time, existing teeth have replaced missing teeth that have caused a space between the front teeth. This patient was treated without implantation by space closure.
For more information, please read the specialized article written by my Italian colleagues and myself. It is worth noting that this is a recent procedure and I proposed this procedure at the European Orthodontic Congress.
There was no orthodontic treatment before
The cause of missing teeth
The causes of this complication can be divided into two categories: endogenous and acquired. Subjective factors include genetic and congenital problems. Acquired factors can also be due to tooth injury or caries and lack of attention to oral hygiene. Factors that lead to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss include: periodontal disease, tooth and root infections, dental cysts and poor oral hygiene.
Approximately 20 percent of patients lose one or more teeth as a result of one of the reasons listed above. Most of these patients are missing one or two permanent teeth. In addition, some of these patients lose 3 to 6 permanent teeth due to acquired factors.
