What causes severe hypodontia?

Hypodontia is usually the result of a problem with the band of tissue under the gums (dental lamina) where the teeth form. The most common cause of these problems is heredity or family history. A mutation of one of the specific genes which help form the dental lamina properly can lead to hypodontia.

What can cause hypodontia?

Is severe hypodontia rare?

Severe hypodontia is the absence of six or more permanent teeth and is relatively uncommon (estimated prevalence of 0.1-0.2%). This condition may have considerable functional, aesthetic and psychological implications for the patient, as well as presenting a significant challenge for the restorative dentist.

What syndromes are associated with hypodontia?

Ectodermal dysplasia, oral-facial-digital syndromes, and syndromes with oral-facial clefting such as Pierre-Robin sequence and Van Der Woude syndrome are conditions, which are associated with hypodontia.

How is hypodontia passed down?

Hypodontia may be inherited in an autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked dominant, or X-linked recessive mode. The most commonly missing permanent teeth are the third molars (20%), second premolars (3.4%), and maxillary lateral incisors (2.2%) (Simons et al. 1993).

Consequences of not replacing missing teeth ©

Is hypodontia a genetic disorder?

Hypodontia is genetic in origin and usually involves the absence of from 1 to 5 teeth. Oligodontia is genetic as well and is the term used to describe a condition in which six or more teeth are missing. Hypodontia/oligodontia/anodontia might be considered as a unique clinical entity but with increasing severity.

What causes permanent teeth not to develop?

Besides genetic causes, experts suggest that advanced maternal age, low birth weight, maternal smoking, incidences of rubella, and other hormonal, environmental and infectious conditions may also be linked to missing teeth.

Is missing teeth a disability?

Therefore, an individual should be considered to have a dental disability if orofacial pain, infection, or pathological condition and/or lack of functional dentition affect nutritional intake, growth and development, or participation in life activities.

What is the second tooth in hypodontia?

The second premolars – these are the teeth right in front of your molars. One may sometimes be removed during braces treatment, but if your child is missing this permanent tooth, chances are it's due to hypodontia.

Does hypodontia include wisdom teeth?

Hypodontia refers to the developmental absence of one or more primary or permanent teeth, excluding the third molars.

Can braces fix hypodontia?

While braces work for some hypodontia problems, they aren't likely to work if the gap is too big or if your child has multiple gaps in the same part of the mouth. If existing teeth can't cover the gap without moving too much themselves, then your teen needs a different solution.

Is missing permanent teeth genetic?

Congenitally missing teeth are teeth that never appear and are not trapped in the gums – they just do not exist in some people! The condition, which usually affects the lateral incisors and the second premolars, is often a harmless genetic trait passed down from parents to their children.

How do they fix hypodontia in adults?

Hypodontia treatments include getting dental implants, getting bridges and dentures. While replacing the missing teeth is a common recommended approach, you may not require that but, just braces and other less invasive treatments. Most adults who had missing teeth as children may have missing teeth as adults.

Can Invisalign fix hypodontia?

Invisalign is considered one of the most popular treatments with our patients for straightening their teeth. However, if you have a missing tooth you may be wondering whether it's possible to have Invisalign with missing teeth? The short answer is yes!

What is hypodontia vs anodontia?

Hypodontia refers to the absence of fewer than 6 teeth (not including third molars). Oligodontia refers to the absence of 6 or more teeth (not including third molars). Anodontia is the complete absence of teeth. Hypodontia is more common in the permanent dentition than in the primary dentition.

How common is hypodontia?

Hypodontia, or tooth agenesis, is the most prevalent craniofacial malformation in humans. It may occur as part of a recognised genetic syndrome or as a nonsyndromic isolated trait. Excluding third molars, the reported prevalence of hypodontia ranges from 1.6 to 6.9%, depending on the population studied.

What is a ghost tooth?

Teeth in a region or quadrant of maxilla or mandible are affected to the extent that they exhibit short roots, wide open apical foramen and large pulp chamber, the thinness and poor mineralisation qualities of th enamel and dentine layers have given rise to a faint radiolucent image, hence the term "Ghost teeth".

What do you do for hyperdontia?

The primary treatment for hyperdontia is extraction. Prior to extraction, X-rays are often taken to assess supernumerary teeth and determine if they are impacted or erupted. If supernumerary teeth are partially or fully erupted, they may easily be extracted.

What happens if your teeth don't grow?

Having a missing tooth anywhere can create problems for your oral health. But when the gap is right up front, it's hard to miss; it causes your smile to look much less appealing. Over time, missing teeth can also lead to bite problems, as well as difficulties with speech, nutrition and self-esteem.

How common is oligodontia?

It is a relatively rare condition affecting 0.1–0.2 % of the population. Oligodontia can occur as an isolated nonsyndromic condition or as a part of a syndrome.

What does congenitally missing teeth mean?

If you are born with lesser teeth than an average person, you have hypodontia. It is also commonly known as congenitally missing teeth (CMT). It affects both baby and permanent teeth. The most common congenitally missing teeth are second premolars, wisdom teeth, and upper lateral incisors.

When is hypodontia diagnosed?

Hypodontia is usually diagnosed in children when they are 8 to10 years old. The reasons for this dental development failure are complex. Many genes are involved and the details of why some are afflicted by the condition are not all known.

Can I get Invisalign if I have missing teeth?

Missing teeth — no problem

However, there is a chance that a general dentist would recommend an implant first. Without replacing a missing tooth, there is a risk of the bone deteriorating. Overall, there is no reason you cannot have the Invisalign treatment — even when missing teeth.

Can braces close missing teeth gap?

Braces work by using tension to gradually pull your teeth together. This constant pressure moves teeth to the correct position, which ultimately closes a gap. You can use braces for small or large gaps, and they can sometimes fix gaps caused by a missing tooth.

Can you get an implant with braces?

The answer is yes, you can. Some patients that come to us are missing teeth or have lost some teeth with space in their mouths. Sometimes with braces, we cannot close certain spaces.