Removable dentures act as a space maintainer and also prevent the migration of adjacent or opposing teeth, thereby preserving the face height. They are also easy to adjust or add on to in the event of further tooth eruption. However, it may be difficult for young individuals to adhere with wearing removable dentures, due to their bulk. Some patients also find the idea of dentures functionally and socially unacceptable, making them unwilling to comply. Removable prosthetic devices are also known to cause damage to the remaining teeth if worn over a long period of time. Conventional crown and bridgework
Fixed restorative options are generally preferred over removable ones. Resin-bonded bridges: Due to its minimal preparation required, this method of replacing teeth is more suited to young adults. It is a definitive restoration with the ability to fill up one or two tooth spaces. Research has reflected a survival rate of 80% over a period of 6 years or longer, and that cantilever resin-bonded bridges are at least as good as conventional fixed-fixed bridges. Restoring teeth with this method can only be done after orthodontic treatment and will need an element of retention to ensure that tooth contacts are not misplaced. Conventional bridges: Teeth tend to be prepared for conventional bridgework if there are large restorations present, thus being more commonly done on adult patients with hypodontia. Treatment with conventional bridgework will require significant reduction of tooth structure, which will put the tooth at risk of biological damage i.e. loss of vitality.
By replacing the missing teeth, it can prevent neighbouring teeth tilting or drifting and also prevents the overeruption of opposing teeth which could then impact on occlusion and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction and impact the patients susceptibility to gum disease, tooth wear and tooth fractures. However, studies have suggested that a stable occlusion can be achieved even with a shortened arch of 10 occluding pairs of teeth. The findings support the concept that a healthy and stable occlusion can exist despite missing teeth as long as an acceptable number of teeth are in occlusion. However, this management technique may not be suitable for those with gum disease, parafunctioning activity (tooth grinding or clenching) or malocclusion.It should also be noted that spaces within the dental arch should be monitored, especially in younger patients, as teeth are more likely to drift, tilt or over-erupt. To do this, study models and clinical photographs could be taken in order to record baseline records. If tooth movement was to occur, another form of management may be required depending on the severity and nature.The following below are the methods used to manage hypodontia:

Accept spacing
This is a method suitable to individuals if the space from a missing tooth is not deemed to be an aesthetic concern. Appearance may not be a problem in some cases, for example, when spacing present behind the canines may not be particularly visible, depending on the individual.