Based on the findings of our recent longitudinal study on the abnormal
ities of the dentition in cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a hypothesis
has been proposed, which makes it possible to predict time of onset of
formation of supernumerary teeth and their location in the jaws. It w
as found that a diagnosis should be made early so that formation of su
pernumerary teeth can be diagnosed and early intervention undertaken.
It should be possible to diagnose supernumerary incisors at about 5-7
years of age and supernumerary canines and premolars a few years later
. When root length of the normal permanent teeth has reached about one
third of its final length, the overlying supernumerary teeth should b
e removed, together with overlying bone and primary teeth. In regions
where no supernumerary teeth are formed, eruption may also be improved
by removal of the primary teeth and surgical exposure of the underlyi
ng permanent teeth. Conventional orthodontic treatment and eventually
autotransplantation of teeth may still be necessary in the future, but
it can be anticipated that the new strategy, with much earlier interv
ention, will materially reduce the extent of surgical and orthodontic
interventions, which have previously been of extremely long duration,
tedious to the patients and often of limited success.