The management of developmentally absent maxillary lateral incisors – a survey of orthodontists in the UK

Orthodontists work in two distinct practice organisations: one with limited access to a restorative opinion and one with ready access to restorative opinions.The type of practice environment influences the type of treatment offered.Orthodontists working with limited or no access to restorative dentists evaluate the space for implants from the inter-crown distance.Orthodontists who work regularly with restorative colleagues evaluate the distance between the roots of adjacent teeth from an intra-oral radiograph.Orthodontists who work in isolation are recommended to evaluate the space for implants and hence the need for orthodontics from intra-oral radiographs.There is a need to promote clearer guidelines and protocols for practitioners involved in the management of hypodontia.