Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors: Prioritizing Space Closure Whenever Feasible.

Congenital missing teeth are among the most prevalent dental malformations. Maxillary lateral incisors are particularly prone to agenesis, often missing bilaterally. This condition presented complex challenges for both patients and clinicians. The etiology of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. The management is also inherently complex, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach. Treatment options include orthodontic space closure, resin-bonded bridges, implants, removable partial dentures, and autotransplantation. Among these, implant placement and orthodontic space closure are most commonly preferred by clinicians. The selection of an appropriate treatment modality depends on multiple factors, such as patient growth, available space, condition of adjacent teeth, and initial malocclusion. This review aimed to evaluate and compare various treatment options for maxillary lateral incisor agenesis, providing a comprehensive analysis of the latest evidence and highlighting the benefits and limitations of each approach to inform clinical decision-making.