History and Evolution of Tooth Development
- Dental anthropology researches tooth development evolution
- Variations in teeth provide insights for genetic basis of odontogenesis
- Teeth originated from dermal structures called odontodes
- Phylogenetic changes in teeth are associated with functional adaptation
- Reduction of teeth number is connected with decrease in jaw size
Genetic Causes of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis
- Tooth agenesis is not completely understood
- Mutations in MSX1 and PAX9 genes are related to tooth agenesis
- MSX1 and PAX9 are necessary transcription factors for normal teeth formation
- Deletion of the MSX1 gene results in cleft palate and failure of tooth development
Endogamy as a Cause of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis
- Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis can be caused by endogamy
- High incidence of MLIA found in the population of Basta, southern Jordan
- MLIA in this population is believed to be due to close genetic relationships
- Endogamy refers to breeding from closely related individuals
- MLIA can be used to indicate inbreeding in a population
Applications of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis in Anthropology
- MLIA can be detected from partial skeletal remains, useful in anthropology
- Non-metric morphological traits are used to detect genetic relationships in historic populations
- Non-metric cranial and dental traits are tested on burial sites
- Identifying genetically related individuals is important for determining shared characteristics
- Traits examined include tooth crown and root variants, size, number, and position
Related Concepts and Further Reading
- Hypodontia is related to tooth agenesis
- References provided for further reading and research
Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) is lack of development (agenesis) of one or both of the maxillary lateral incisor teeth. In normal human dentition, this would be the second tooth on either side from the center of the top row of teeth. The condition is bilateral if the incisor is absent on both sides or unilateral if only one is missing. It appears to have a genetic component.
