Adhesive bridges in the treatment of hypodontia of the upper lateral incisors in adults: 12 years of clinical observations

Introduction
Hypodontia of the upper lateral incisors can be treated with an implant-supported denture, fixed and removable denture, and orthodontic procedures. Due to fast effect of the treatment and relatively low cost, one of the possible therapeutic options is an adhesive bridge. The aim of the study was to present the clinical effects of the use of adhesive bridges in the treatment of agenesis of the upper lateral incisors during 12 years of observation.

Material and methods
The study included 13 adhesive bridges that were used in patients aged 18-30. The bridges were clinically and radiologically evaluated every 6 months in the first year of use, and then every year for a period of 12 years. In the 10th year of follow-up, patients participated in a survey measuring their satisfaction with the thera­peutic method.

Results
In the first 6 years, there was no aberration from the acceptable state in any case assessed. In the 7th and 10th year of observation, 2 fiber-reinforced composite bridges (FRC) were lost. Maryland bridges achieved a full clinical success after 12 years of use, despite slight color disharmony in relation to neighboring teeth and the necessity of re-cementing 1 bridge, while FRC bridges showed clinical efficiency of 55.55%.

Conclusions
The results obtained indicate that adhesive bridges can be used as long-term restoration in the treatment of hypodontia of the upper lateral incisors. The conditions determining their application are the absence of carious lesions of the abutment teeth, a large adhesive surface within the enamel, and particularly good oral hygiene.