Subject of our research were etiology and frequency of hypodontia and the possible effects of hypodontia on correct formation of dental arches in the course of dentition development. Methodologically the diagnostic records of 3238 patients of an orthodontic practice in Magdeburg, Germany, were evaluated. In addition to determining the frequency of hypodontia (8.1%), special attention was paid to accompanying micro-symptoms. 169 family members of 35 patients with teeth aplasia were questioned and examined and then extended family tables were drawn up. In addition, 105 dental casts from both patients with aplasia and patients with full dentition were measured. The results thus obtained made possible a comparison of the teeth and jaw size of the group with hypodontia with the group without hypodontia.

Relations are discussed between malocclusions and changes of the vertebral spine. It was the aim of our investigations to disclose the causal relations between changes of the position of the cervical spine and class-II/1 anomalies (49 patients), class-III anomalies (28 patients), and eugnathic maxillary conditions (50 children). 127 lateral cephalograms of the untreated 63 boys and 64 girls at the age from six to 13 years were evaluated according to 24 orthodontic and 25 orthopedic characteristics. Patients with class-II/1 anomalies and class-III anomalies showed the tendency to strongly marked lordosis of the cervical spine. The basal angles nasion-tuberculum sellae-opisthion, nasion-tuberculum sellae-basion, and nasion-dorsum sellae-basion were enlarged in class-II/1 cases and reduced in class-III cases. It could not pointed out relations between the sagittal position of the jaws and the position of the atlas; there was no existing a specific bearing of the head within the various groups.

The comprehensive, successful treatment of patients with cleft lip, alveolus and palate requires numerous surgical interventions and very close cooperation between various medical and dental specialists. The willingness and ability of the patient to undergo treatment are undoubtedly important factors in achieving optimal treatment outcomes. The presented case report shows that limited compliance makes it much more difficult for speech pathologists and orthodontists to treat mentally retarded patients. Only with combined orthodontic therapy and orthognathic surgery could the dental and skeletal abnormalities be corrected in adulthood.

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