Missing Adult Teeth

[mands75]

After a trip to the dentist today for a check up, an x-ray was taken and it looks as though my 13 year old has no adult lateral incisors to come through when his milk teeth go. These are the teeth that are either side of his two front main teeth at the top. Obviously this has come as a bit of a shock and the dentist has referred us to an orthodontist but I wondered if anyone else had experienced this and what we can expect for he future.

[J9PUR]

This is relatively common - various studies report prevelence of 1%-4% of a Caucasian population.

Without a clinical examination & x-rays I can only speculate, as there are so many unknowns. However, the main decision to be taken is whether or not to extract the deciduous (baby) lateral incisors. They may be left in-situ, and could possibly remain there for many years and function quite normally. They are likely to be lost eventually, but this can take years.

If the deciduous teeth are extracted, the main options are:
1) Close the space between the central incisors and canines, to bring these teeth together, often with some minor cosmetic adjustments to the canines to make them look more like lateral incisors
2) Maintain the space of the lateral incisors and provide a prosthetic replacement by way of removable denture, bridge or implant-supported crowns
Each patient needs careful assessment as to the most appropriate option and so referral to an orthodontist is appropriate.

Hope this helps!

[atalanta]

two of my sons have this condition - but worse. The same teeth are involved, but in my sons' case, more teeth-buds are missing. I gather that when this condition happens, it is almost always the same teeth as your son's, but can be far worse. The NHS can help - make sure he gets free treatment while he is in school, or you could face huge bills after he become old enough to have to pay for his treatment.

[april1693]

I'm the same as Atalanta. My 2nd and 4th sons have no lateral incisors, both have seen the orthodontist, who is monitoring them . They've have no treatment so far and no problems either. I have a cousin in his 40s with the same and he has a beautiful set of teeth, no problems at all x

[J9PUR]

The upper lateral incisors are the third 'most commonly' missing teeth and so it is very important that your sons have screening radiographs (x-rays) to ensure that there are no other missing teeth (though it sounds as if this has already been carried out)

There should be no issue in receiving both orthodontic and restorative treatment under NHS provision.

[yogasun]

@J9PUR Out of interest is this more common in males than females?
Sorry mands75 just curious.

[J9PUR]

No. Studies show that there is an increased incidence in females with a ratio of about 3:2

[yogasun]

Oh, OK thanks J9PUR

[mands75]

Thank you to all who have replied with advice and experience. It has put my mind at rest slightly and we will see what happens when he goes back to the dentist in a couple of weeks. Interesting that the canines can be altered to "fit in". Many thanks once again