Missing Lateral Incisors: Missing Teeth Due to Genetics

Understanding Congenitally Missing Teeth and When Orthodontic Treatment Is Needed.

Missing lateral incisors — the two teeth on either side of the front top teeth — are one of the most common congenital dental conditions. This condition, known as hypodontia, often runs in families and can lead to spacing issues, bite problems, and long-term complications if not treated early.

Because these teeth are typically lost or never develop at all, it’s common to see gaps, peg-shaped teeth, or misalignment in the smile.

Why Are Lateral Incisors Missing?

When permanent lateral incisors are absent, it’s usually due to genetics. Sometimes the baby tooth is also missing — but more often, the baby lateral incisor falls out as expected, and nothing comes in behind it.

Missing lateral incisors may also be accompanied by:
Smaller or peg-shaped lateral teeth
Delayed eruption of neighboring teeth
Over-retained baby teeth
Midline shift or asymmetry

This condition affects both the appearance of the smile and the way the bite functions, especially as the jaw continues to grow.

How to Tell If Your Child Has Missing Lateral Incisors

This is often first noticed around age 7–9, when the permanent lateral incisors should begin erupting. Signs include:

A gap on either side of the front top teeth
Baby teeth that never fall out
Front teeth drifting out of alignment
Crowding or tipping of the canine teeth
A narrow smile or off-center midline

A simple orthodontic screening (with a panoramic X-ray or 3D scan) can confirm if the teeth are truly absent or just delayed.

Why Early Orthodontic Guidance Matters

When lateral incisors are missing, early treatment planning is key. Options typically include:

Space closure: Braces bring the canine teeth forward to fill the space, and the shape is later adjusted with bonding or veneers
Space opening: Braces or aligners maintain or create space for future implants or bridges

The best option depends on your child’s age, jaw size, facial profile, and smile aesthetics. Coordinated care between orthodontist, pediatric dentist, and potentially a restorative dentist will yield the best results.

Treatment Options

Braces (metal or ceramic) to close or open space
Invisalign® for teens with mild spacing concerns
Cosmetic reshaping of nearby teeth
Space maintainers in younger patients
Dental implants or bridges (once growth is complete)

Your orthodontist will help guide this process with long-term outcomes in mind — often starting as early as age 8 or 9.

When to Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve noticed gaps where adult teeth should be, or your child’s lateral incisors never arrived, schedule a complimentary consultation with our orthodontic team. Early diagnosis allows for the best timing and treatment planning — and helps ensure a confident, healthy smile as your child grows. Learn more about the types of braces that can help support space closure or replacement.

Claim Your Complimentary Consultation

Our orthodontic team is here to help with complimentary orthodontic consultations in Bluffdale, Riverton, Stansbury Park, and West Jordan. Complete the form below or call (801) 254-9700 to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to be born without lateral incisors?

It’s not uncommon. Around 2–4% of people are born with one or both lateral incisors missing due to genetics.

Can braces fix missing teeth?

Yes — braces can either close the space or hold it open for future tooth replacement, depending on your child’s case.

When is the best time to treat missing lateral incisors?

Early — usually around age 8–10 — so your orthodontist can guide the jaw, bite, and tooth positioning before growth finishes.

Do missing lateral incisors affect bite function?

They can. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to drift and impact how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Will my child need dental implants?

Not always. Some cases are treated with space closure using braces; others wait until the jaw is done growing and place implants or bridges.