Angle Class I malocclusion and agenesis of lateral incisors

Abstract

Orthodontic planning for patients with agenesis of lateral incisors should include extremely relevant esthetic and functional considerations so that a satisfactory clinical result is achieved. Both space closure and space opening or maintenance have advantages and disadvantages that should be evaluated according to the patient's individual characteristics. Some of the important factors that affect planning are the skeletal pattern, the type of malocclusion and the color and shape of canines. This study reports on the treatment of a patient with Class I malocclusion and agenesis of lateral incisors, decreased overjet and overbite, and a tendency to open bite and crossbite. The clinical approach included palatal expansion followed by space closure using extraoral anchorage. This case was presented to the Committee of the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics (BBO) in the Free Case category as part of the requisites to obtain the BBO Diploma.