Effect of trauma to the primary incisors on the alignment of their permanent successors in Israelis.

117 children who had experienced trauma to their primary incisors were re-examined in their transitional or permanent dentition stage. The control group consisted of 174 children with a corresponding dental developmental age. All the children were examined clinically and the intra- and interarch relations of the anterior segments were recorded. The prevalence of patients with at least one malposed incisor was higher in the trauma group. Trauma to the primary dentition was found to be a contributing factor affecting the alignment of the permanent successors. Early loss of the primary incisors did not cause loss of space in most of the cases; however, it was associated with malposition of their permanent successors. Lack of eruption guidance or the direct effect of the injury on the position of the developing bud could be considered as contributing etiologic factors. There was a very low prevalence of more serious malocclusion features, like impaction, in the trauma group.