Agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors: diagnosis and treatment options

INTRODUCTION: There are different possibilities of orthodontic planning for cases with congenital absence of maxillary lateral incisors. This subject divides the opinion of orthodontists and oral rehabilitation clinicians, due to the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option, which may involve opening spaces for future implants and/or prosthetic restorations, or closing the spaces by positioning the maxillary canines in the place of lateral incisors. The correct diagnosis and careful evaluation of each patient allow to determine the best therapeutic approach. This paper discusses the main topics to be considered when planning these cases. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the main aspects related to orthodontic treatment planning in cases of congenital absence of maxillary lateral incisors, to aid the decision-making, with clinical and scientific basis.