Clinical diversity of hypodontia – case reports

Hypodontia, i.e. a developmental absence of permanent and primary teeth, is one of the most frequent dental anomalies leading to impaired masticatory function, malocclusion and distorted facial features. There are different clinical forms of hypodontia. Occurring in isolation or as part of over sixty syndromes, hypodontia is ethnically diverse and more common in women than in men. Particularly severe dental anomalies, if left untreated, can cause significant aesthetic problems and lead to social exclusion. Diagnostics and therapeutic management of dental anomalies is an important part of interdisciplinary dental care. Therapy depends on the extent of deficiencies, their location, anatomy of soft and hard tissues, and the patient’s age. Frequently, cooperation is required between the orthodontist, prosthodontist, dental surgeon, a specialist in conservative dentistry, and, in the case of patients in developmental age, paediatric dentists. The aim of the study was to present different causes of tooth agenesis and to emphasize the multi-factorial aetiology of hypodontia. Presented cases relate to patients’ genetic factors and treatment plan.