Some studies have shown that the extent of complaints made by patients was associated with the severity of the condition and the number of missing permanent teeth.Meta-analyses and theoretical reviews have demonstrated that attractive children are seen by others as more intelligent and exhibit more positive social behaviour and traits, other than receiving much more positive treatment than their less attractive counterparts. Therefore, a divergence from perceived ideal dentofacial aesthetic, particularly in children, might adversely affect self-esteem and self-confidence besides attracting mockery from peers.It is therefore reasonable to theorize that deviations from "normal" or "ideal" dentofacial aesthetic could be destructive to an individuals psychosocial and emotional well-being, which brings upon some psychosocial distress in that individual as a result of their condition. Functional
Individuals with hypodontia tend to have deeper bites and spaces. Further deepening of the bite can also be seen on individuals with missing posterior teeth. Apart from that, hypodontia may lead to non-working interferences, poor gingival contours and over-eruptions of the opposing teeth.It has been found that individuals with hypodontia experience more difficulty during mastication or functioning movements due to smaller occlusal table available. A recent cross-sectional study showed that hypodontia patients have more difficulties in chewing, especially if the deciduous teeth associated with the missing permanent teeth had been exfoliated. Despite currently limited evidence to support this statement, it is plausible that hypodontia may pose functional limitations, which eventually affect that individuals general well-being and quality of life.Hypodontia can indeed pose limitations on the chewing ability of a patient.
This option also negates the risks and costs that comes with prosthodontic treatment and the impression that there is no missing tooth.Some factors need to be considered when making a decision whether to undergo space closure. These include facial profile, size and dimension of canine, the shade of colour of the teeth and the gingival contour and height. Group function occlusion is usually present as a result of the mesial movement of the canine. In order to maintain the stability of the closed space, direct-bonded lingual retainers are usually required. Orthodontic space opening prior to prosthodontic treatment
The need for orthodontic space opening prior to prosthodontic management depends on the amount of edentulous space available in relation to adjacent teeth, occlusion and aesthetic concerns. To determine the amount of space needed, three methods in the literature can be used which are the golden proportion, the Bolton Analysis and comparing the edentulous space with the contralateral tooth size if present.Space opening and prosthodontic treatment is indicated where there is a Class I molar relationships in the absence of malocclusion Class III molar relationships presenting with a concave facial profile. However, the alteration in appearance during orthodontic treatment (e.g. creating diastema for placement of prostheses) before the filling up the space, although temporary, can negatively impact the oral health-related quality of life in adolescents. Removable partial dentures
Removable partial dentures are known to be an effective interim method for maintaining functional and aesthetic demands in a growing patient, where definitive fixed restorations are not suitable yet.