A delay in tooth development may also serve as an indication, whereby the absence of an adult successor slows down the normal resorption of the roots of the baby teeth, which is the progressive loss of parts of the tooth. Misplaced (ectopic) positioning of the adult teeth may be discovered upon examination or a radiograph. One of the consequences may be an adult tooth intercepting with a baby tooth, causing premature loss or wrong positioning. This can be due to either the absence of neighboring teeth acting as a guide during eruption or the lack of space in the jaw for them to erupt into because of malocclusion. Skeletal features
Several studies have discovered that anteriorly missing teeth can accompany retrognathic maxilla, also known as an underbite, prognathic mandible, where the lower jaw protrudes out more than normal, and smaller posterior cranial base length. Occurrence of hypodontia can be associated with reduced anterior lower facial height and lip protrusion. This can be linked to lower maxillary to mandibular plane angles. A more acute mandibular angle and flatter chin may develop as a result. These characteristics become more prominent as the condition becomes progressively severe, particularly when more than one tooth is missing. Other dental and radiographic features
Data derived from principal component analysis of radiographic images show that children with mild hypodontia may display significant increase of the interincisal angle and decrease in the maxillary and mandibular incisor angles. Cephalometric tracing is commonly used to study a patients dentofacial proportions in the craniofacial complex.
This management is indicated in hypodontia cases of Class I molar relationship with severe crowding in the mandibular anterior region where the extraction of lower premolar leads to a predictable outcome, and Class II molar relationship in the absence of crowding and protrusion of the mandibular anterior dentition.When moving the canine into the space of the lateral incisor, the dimensions of the canine, root position and gingival position differ from a lateral incisor and therefore preparation of the canine is necessary in order for it to mimic the incisor. This may involve:

Reduction of the incisal tip and addition of composite on the incisal edge to create a straight contour and a rounded disto-incisal corner
Reduction of the mesial and distal surfaces to reduce the width of the tooth
Flattening of the labial surface to reduce bulbosity. However, removal of enamel by expose the darker coloured dentine and therefore further restoration may be required. Preparation of the palatal surface of the canine to reduce its bulk.The use of veneers can also be used instead of composite however, these are more expensive and more time-consuming. There have been several studies which showed the advantages of orthodontic space closure without prosthodontic space replacements. The main advantage mentioned is the early completion of the treatment during early adolescence and the long lasting result of the treatment outcome. In individuals with a high smile line, the mesial re-positioning of canine maintains the normal soft tissue architecture is important in maintaining the aesthetic appearance.