Hhypodontia means you have congenitally missing teeth!
When a child is born, he or she will have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth. But sometimes kids are born with missing teeth, and our team at Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists calls this oral condition “hyperdontia.” Primary teeth are the first set of teeth that erupt in your child’s mouth, typically by the time they are 36 months old, and are shed by the time your child reaches the age of 12. Permanent teeth then take the place of the primary teeth and are usually fully-erupted by the time your son or daughter reaches 21 years of age. Anyone who develops more than 20 primary teeth or more than 32 permanent teeth has hyperdontia, and the additional teeth are referred to as supernumerary teeth.
While the cause of hyperdontia is not entirely clear, it is believed that there may be a genetic factor.
Oral professionals have found that patients with extra teeth often have syndromes like cleidocranial dysplasia, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, Gardner syndrome, or cleft lip and palate. The prevalence of hyperdontia affects between one and four percent of the population in the United States, and the majority of cases are limited to a single tooth.
So, what is the best way to deal with hyperdontia?
It really depends on the case. The treatment plan your doctor suggests varies according to the potential problem posed by the supernumerary teeth, as well as their type. Orthodontic treatment may certainly help, but extraction can also be a good option. We recommend that children receive an oral evaluation or checkup no later than the age of seven. In addition to hygiene evaluation, this helps ensure your child does not experience hyperdontia problems.
Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialist, a leading practice in Elmhurst and Downers Grove IL near Chicago, offers advanced orthodontic treatment, including braces and clear aligners, ensuring optimal dental alignment and a confident smile.
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from hyperdontia, please give us a call to schedule an appointment at our convenient Elmhurst and Downers Grove office to be evaluated.
Call us at 630-279-5345 or text us at text us 630-279-5345 for a free orthodontic consultation!
