Long-term survival of retained deciduous mandibular second molars and maxillary canine incorporated into final occlusion

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment of a complex case that involves retained deciduous mandibular second molars with missing permanent successors is challenging. Usually, congenitally missing teeth are manifested with other dental anomalies that further complicate orthodontic treatment, such as retained deciduous teeth, impactions, transpositions and peg-shaped lateral incisors. Even though the long term prognosis of the retained deciduous tooth is not fully predictable, if the teeth are in good condition, the patient and clinician may incline towards a decision to preserve the deciduous teeth as long as possible. This case report demonstrates that deciduous teeth, in this case the mandibular second molars and maxillary canine, can be incorporated into final occlusion with clinically stable long-term results.