Up to 10% of the population exhibit missing permanent teeth from birth (hypodontia). The most commonly missing teeth are maxillary (upper) lateral incisors and second premolars. When you are missing six or more permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) this is called oligodontia.
There can be many treatment costs associated with missing teeth that can involve multiple dental procedures such as orthodontics and dental implants.
There is a program in place that many may not realize is an option when your child has multiple missing teeth. There is a program funded through the Ministry of Health. The requirements include:
1. An Ontario resident with a valid OHIP number.
2. Diagnosis by a designated treatment centre as having a craniofacial anomaly (multiple missing teeth).
3. Registration in the program before their 18th birthday.
Once you have been registered, this program will provide some financial support for the costs in treating the missing teeth. This program also works if you have private insurance. Private insurance will be processed first followed by the Ministry of Health program. There is however, a funding limit. You must be aware that certain procedures need to be completed by a dental specialist such as the orthodontic treatment as well as the restoration of teeth, including dental implants. Even after approval in the program, the treatment must be approved by the designated centre, before the treatment is initiated.
A consultation with a certified orthodontic specialist can help in the assessment of the suitability of a patient for this program.
