Impacted permanent canines are one reason a person may need orthodontic treatment. They’re one of the more challenging types of cases an orthodontist faces, but they’re common enough that we see several a year. Canines are the teeth second most likely to be impacted, behind wisdom teeth. It’s estimated that they occur in ~2% of the population and are more common in females than males.
Identify the Risk Early
It’s always best to prevent the impactions from happening and this can often be done if the risk is identified early, when a child is around age 8-10. Interventions, such as early extraction of primary teeth for guidance of eruption and palatal expansion, can be prescribed to re-direct canines as they grow.
If a patient makes it to adulthood with impacted canines, it becomes increasingly difficult to align these teeth. With time, there is a risk that the canines can become ankylosed, or fused with the bone, or they can cause damage to the roots of the front teeth. Ankylosed teeth do not respond to orthodontic forces and cannot be moved.
In Jaritza’s case here, we explained the risks that the canines might be ankylosed, might not be able to finish perfectly aligned at the end, or may have reduced bone or gum tissue around them when aligned.
Treatment
Treatment time for these cases can often extend past two years. Sometimes it is more efficient to simply extract these impacted teeth and place implants where the canines should be instead of attempting alignment of the natural teeth. Canines have the longest roots of all the teeth in the mouth and it takes many months to move these roots through the bone.
In the end, however, well aligned teeth (that are all your own) and a gorgeous smile are worth it if you understand the risks!! Dr. Pompei will work with you closely to help you understand your unique orthodontic situation and any risks involved in treatment. If you have impacted permanent canines, Dr. Pompei will establish a treatment plan that will result in the best possible outcome. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at 212-484-0711.
