CASE 4

Missing Lateral Incisors

Dental agenesis, meaning the absence of formation of one or more teeth, is an increasingly common clinical situation. Among the teeth most frequently affected are the upper lateral incisors.

One treatment option often proposed in orthodontics is to close the spaces by moving the teeth forward within the dental arch. From a functional point of view, this approach can be very valid. However, from an aesthetic perspective, it often creates a new challenge: when the canines take the place of the lateral incisors, their natural shape, size, and colour can create a visible imbalance in the smile.

This is where direct composite resin becomes an extremely valuable solution. By carefully reshaping the canines, it is possible to transform their appearance and make them look more like lateral incisors, improving the overall harmony of the smile.



In young patients, this approach is particularly indicated because it allows us to modify the shape of the teeth in a very conservative way, without unnecessary removal of healthy dental tissues. The composite is bonded directly onto the enamel and sculpted to recreate more delicate proportions, softer contours, and a more natural integration within the smile. The final result shows how a simple and minimally invasive intervention can complete an orthodontic treatment and transform a functional solution into an aesthetic one also.