Temporary replacement of congenital missing incisors on mandible using temporary anchorage devices in growing patient: 2-year follow-up

ABSTRACT

Agenesis of permanent tooth in adolescent patients can be treated either by orthodontic treatment for space closure or by main-taining the space until implant restoration can be carried out in adult. However, gradual atrophy of alveolar bone width makes it dif-ficult to restore the prosthesis in the future or may cause unaesthetic results. Therefore, maintaining of not only the missing space but also the alveolar bone width should be considered. This case is a treatment whereby a temporary replacement of missing 2mandibular incisors in adolescent patient was carried out using 2 temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Two TADs were placed hori-zontally 2 - 3 mm below the top of alveolar ridge, and fixed with artificial teeth by stainless steel wires extended. During the 2 year follow-up, neither gingival inflammation nor loss of the TADs have occurred. In the radiographic evaluation, the growth of the adja-cent alveolar bone was not inhibited, and the width of the alveolar bone was maintained.