Cost-Effectiveness of Managing MIH Teeth.

Abstract

Numerous therapeutic approaches are available for managing molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH); however, the cost-effectiveness of these strategies is underexplored. Economic evaluations are crucial for determining the optimal treatment approach to individual patients' requirements. We systematically reviewed the literature on the topic to have a more comprehensive discussion about these issues. Systematic searches were carried out. After a two-stage selection, 11 studies were included for synthesis. These studies could be divided into three groups according to the type of information given on costs: assumptions or deductions based on the literature (n = 6), cost collection on the available sources (n = 3), and cost-effectiveness evaluations (n = 2). The economic evidence on MIH management is still scarce and incipient. However, some important findings were produced for this evidence synthesis. A database of costs valuable in different contexts for therapeutic approaches related to MIH and its consequences was created. Furthermore, compiling and digesting the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of different approaches for managing severe MIH cases points out possible directions to be considered in decision-making that should consider these economic outcomes in different contexts and their powers of generalizability and also other aspects of evidence-based practice (e.g., professional and patients' preferences). Finally, there is an imminent need for economic evaluations focused on investigating the potential efficiency of preventive approaches for managing minor-compromised MIH teeth to postpone/avoid the severe consequences, which are more critical, complex, and costly to treat.