Comparison of Esthetic Outcomes of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis Treatment by Orthodontic Space Closure Versus Implant Placement (Evaluated by Pink Esthetic Score)

Introduction- Due to the fundamental role of esthetics in the outcomes of dental treatments, especially in the anterior region (esthetic zone), the necessity of considering the matter of esthetics in clinical studies has become into focus in the current era. The aim of this study was the evaluation of esthetic outcomes of two treatment protocols in the treatment of congenital uni-lateral missing of maxillary lateral incisors as well as patient satisfaction from the treatment outcomes. Methods- in this study the sample size was 24 people (16 women and 8 men), These individuals sought dental treatment for replacement of the congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor. Convenience sampling method was used and patients were divided into two groups regarding the kind of treatment they received. The two treatment protocols included- 1. Space closure by means of orthodontic treatment and then reshaping the canines; and 2. Space regaining by means of orthodontic treatment and replacing the lateral incisor with dental implants. Photographs of patients were acquired from the frontal view with retraction of the lips using digital cameras. Photographs were evaluated for Pink esthetic score. Results- No significant difference was detected between the two study groups in the evaluated factors in this study. Conclusion- The results of this study indicated that there is no significant difference in esthetic results in the two groups. Furthermore, both groups lead to similar results in patient satisfaction from treatment outcomes.