The management of spaces in one or both dental arches caused by extraction and/or congenitally missing permanent teeth can either be carried out by prosthodontic work or orthodontic space closure. However, with the advancement of orthodontic biomechanics, the management of some clinical cases which would have been treated in the first place by fixed or removable partial denture became more possible for orthodontist with reasonable treatment outcome. Although, this treatment approach makes it possible for some patients to avoid prosthodontic work on their teeth, proper analysis and discussion between orthodontist and prosthodontist is important before the final treatment plan is approved.
This presentation will highlight the indication and contra-indication as well as the advantages and disadvantages for both prosthodontic and orthodontic treatment approaches.