Management of a Patient with Hypomineralized Teeth from the Mixed to Permanent Dentition Stage - A Case Report with 6-year Follow-up.

PURPOSE

This case report presents the management of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) from the mixed to the permanent dentition stage. Shortly after eruption of hypomineralized teeth, masticatory forces frequently cause rapid enamel breakdown. The MIH Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI) provides guidelines for the treatment of MIH in relation to how severely the teeth are affected. Clinical considerations: An 11-year-old patient with permanent teeth affected by MIH was referred to us by his orthodontist for conservative dental treatment before planned orthodontic treatment. The restorative treatment varied according to the degree of severity of the affected teeth and included indirect composite resin restorations on teeth #17 (MIH-TNI 4c), #35 (MIH-TNI 4c) and #37 (MIH-TNI 4b), direct composite resin fillings on teeth #26 (MIH-TNI 2b), #27 (MIH-TNI 2a) and #16 (MIH-TNI 4c) and fissure sealants on teeth #16, 15, 14, 24, 25, 34, 36, 44, 45, 46 and 47. Orthodontic treatment was already started during the restorative phase with a bite-jumping appliance. With the conclusion of the second phase of mixed dentition at age 12, the orthodontist was able to start fixed orthodontic treatment of the maxillary and mandibular arches with all of the child's permanent teeth adequately restored. Orthodontic treatment was completed at age 14. At present, 6 years after initiation of dental treatment, all teeth are still free of decay.

CONCLUSION

A carefully supervised recall program with early comprehensive care at frequent intervals and adequate, defect-driven restorations depending on how severely the teeth are affected are the basis for a favorable long-term prognosis in patients with MIH.