Remodeling of the maxillary canine to the shape of the lateral incisor as a method of hypodontia treatment – 10-year clinical observations

Introduction
Hypodontia of the maxillary lateral incisors is an esthetically relevant developmental anomaly. One of the treatment methods is canine mesialization. However, it should be noted that mesialization alone may not prove sufficient and that the treatment will need to include reshaping of the canine and the first premolar.

Objectives
The aim of the study is to present the results of 10-year clinical observations of the effects of canine reshaping.

Material and methods
In 2008, 37 patients with uni- and bilateral hypodontia of maxillary lateral incisors underwent canine mesialization and crown reshaping. The reshaping of the canine teeth was submitted to periodic monitoring: every 3 months in the first year and every 6 to 12 months in the following years. Shape, color, structure and marginal adaptation, as well as the presence of secondary caries, were assessed. Analysis of the findings included a percentage of the acceptable clinical outcome in the consecutive years.

Results
An acceptable clinical result was achieved in 100% of patients in years 1-3, 83.93% of patients in years 4-7, 78.57% of patients in year 8, 73.21% of patients in year 9 and 62.5% in year 10.

Conclusions
The clinical studies have shown that space closure results in acceptable group function occlusion, does not affect the function of temporomandibular joints, and preserves the healthy periodontium. However, it should be noted that the reshaping of the canine using the direct method and resin composite may require routine maintenance or composite reapplication.