Congenitally Missing Teeth

Hypodontia, also referred to as congenitally missing teeth (CMT) is a condition in which a person is born without one to six missing teeth. The most common missing teeth are the adult second premolars, the upper lateral incisors, and wisdom teeth. Researchers say congenitally missing teeth is an inherited condition, but also say environmental factors may also play a role.

It’s important for CMT patients to have their missing teeth replaced. Missing teeth will not only affect your quality of life and speech, but it can also affect your oral health and overall wellbeing. Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options available for CMT patients today, including dentures, bridges, and dental implants. You’ll want to consult with your doctor first before making a final decision because several factors come in to play including age and gender. For example, dental implants are not a wise choice for children because their jaws are still developing and growing.