Orthodontic treatment of a patient with maxillary lateral incisors with dens invaginatus: 6-year follow-up

• Published in: American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics Vol. 153; no. 5; pp. 730 - 740
• Main Authors: Thiesen, Guilherme, Oliver, Donald R., Araújo, Eustáquio A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-05-2018
• Subjects: Dentistry
• ISSN: 0889-5406; 1097-6752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2017.01.030

Dens invaginatus is an anomaly of dental development in which calcified tissues, such as enamel and dentin, are invaginated into the pulp cavity. This morphologic alteration is more frequent in maxillary permanent lateral incisors and makes them more susceptible to carious lesions and pulp alterations.
This case report describes a patient with maxillary lateral incisors affected by dens invaginatus. The maxillary right lateral incisor had already undergone endodontic treatment, and the maxillary left one had a periapical lesion. Additionally, the patient had a Class II Division 1 malocclusion, with anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and an impacted mandibular left second molar.
The orthodontic treatment involved extraction of the maxillary lateral incisors and 2 mandibular premolars, resulting in proper overjet and overbite with good arch coordination and occlusal stability.
Treatment results were stable, as evaluated in a 6-year posttreatment follow-up.
•Dens invaginatus can lead to premature caries and pulp infections.•Orthodontic treatment can include extraction of an affected lateral incisor.•Long-term follow-up confirmed the stability of this treatment alternative.