- The primary clinical consequences of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors include midline deviation and compromised esthetics.
- These teeth play a significant role in the dental arch's overall symmetry and appearance.
- When lateral incisors are absent, the adjacent teeth often shift to fill the space, leading to a midline deviation, which can affect occlusion and facial symmetry.
- Additionally, the absence of these teeth can result in esthetic concerns due to visible gaps in the anterior maxillary region, which is critical for a pleasing smile.

- Other potential issues such as increased risk of dental caries (Option 2) or maxillary canine impaction with pain (Option 3) are not directly caused by the absence of lateral incisors.
- Similarly, the development of a posterior crossbite (Option 4) is generally unrelated to missing lateral incisors and is more often linked to other occlusal or skeletal discrepancies.

In summary, the most significant clinical implications of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors are related to arch integrity, midline alignment, and esthetic appearance.