Dental agenesis: diagnosis, etiology, and orthodontic management
Dental agenesis is the congenital absence of one or more teeth, occurring in deciduous or permanent teeth, most frequently observed in the daily practice of the dentist, but with low prevalence in our country. Aim and purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the orthodontic practices followed in the management of cases with dental agenesis at the UFO University Clinic, Albanian University, Tirana. Methodology: Data were collected through clinical charts, photographs and radiographs in 2023-2024. Results: After completing the treatment with the combined McNamara expander and FaceMask and ChinCap appliance, a moderate improvement in skeletal and occlusal relationships was achieved. The transverse expansion of the maxilla was successful, with an increase in palatal width of about 3 mm, reducing the discrepancy between the jaws. It was noted that a slight tendency of class III malocclusion remained due to the irregular use of extraoral elastics by the patient. Conclusions: The use of functional appliances in the first phase and fixed appliances in the final phase provides a more complete and balanced treatment in both skeletal and dental aspects for dental agenesis.