The orthodontic management of congenitally absent maxillary lateral incisors and second premolars: a case report.

The orthodontic management of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors and second premolars is the subject of this case report. The primary orthodontic consideration was the maintenance of facial esthetics in a 12-year-old boy while consolidating, aligning, and coordinating the dental arches. The maxillary canines were orthodontically positioned in the lateral incisor spaces. The maxillary posterior teeth, including the deciduous second molars, were protracted to esthetic positions where they could function without interferences. The stability of the occlusion depends on the longevity of the maxillary deciduous second molar roots, which did not resorb during active tooth movement.