Introduction
Did you know that your canine teeth (also called cuspids or eyeteeth) play a crucial role in your smile and bite? They help guide your teeth into proper alignment and support your facial structure. However, when these teeth fail to erupt properly, they become impacted, meaning they are stuck beneath the gum line.
Impacted canines can lead to various dental issues, but the good news is that orthodontic treatment can help bring them into place. In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes, diagnosis, and orthodontic solutions for impacted canines.
What Are Impacted Canines?
An impacted canine is a tooth that has not erupted into the mouth by the expected age (around 11-13 years). The upper canine (maxillary cuspid) is one of the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.
Causes of Impacted Canines
Several factors can lead to canine impaction, including:
- Lack of Space – Crowding in the dental arch can block the canine’s path.
- Genetics – Family history plays a role in tooth impaction.
- Abnormal Tooth Position – A tilted or misaligned canine can get stuck.
- Retained Baby Teeth – If baby teeth don’t fall out on time, they may prevent canines from erupting.
- Extra Teeth (Supernumerary Teeth) – These can obstruct the normal eruption pathway.
How Are Impacted Canines Diagnosed?
Early detection is key to preventing complications. Your orthodontist will use:
- Clinical Examination – Checking for missing or delayed eruption of canines.
- X-rays (Panoramic, CBCT Scan) – To locate the exact position of the impacted tooth.
- Palpation – Feeling for the canine under the gums around age 9-10.
If an impacted canine is detected early, intervention can guide it into place before it becomes a bigger issue.
Orthodontic Treatment for Impacted Canines
Treatment depends on the severity of impaction and the patient’s age. Here are common orthodontic solutions:
1. Early Intervention (For Younger Patients)
- Space Creation: If crowding is the cause, braces or expanders can create room for the canine to erupt naturally.
- Extraction of Baby Teeth: Removing retained primary canines may allow the permanent ones to come in properly.
2. Surgical Exposure and Orthodontic Guidance
For impacted canines that won’t erupt on their own, a combined surgical and orthodontic approach is used:
- Surgical Exposure: A minor oral surgery procedure where the gum is lifted to expose the impacted canine.
- Orthodontic Bracketing: A small bracket is bonded to the tooth, and a gold chain or elastic is attached.
- Guided Eruption: The orthodontist gradually pulls the tooth into its correct position using braces or aligners.
This treatment requires careful planning to ensure the tooth moves safely without damaging nearby roots.
3. Tooth Replacement (If the Canine Cannot Be Saved)
In rare cases where the impacted canine is severely misaligned or fused to the bone, extraction may be necessary. In such cases, options like:
- Orthodontic space closure (moving other teeth into the space).
- Dental implants.
- Bridges.
may be considered.
Why Treat Impacted Canines?
Ignoring an impacted canine can lead to:
- Cyst Formation – The impacted tooth can form a cyst that damages surrounding teeth and bone.
- Root Resorption – Pressure from an impacted tooth can erode the roots of adjacent teeth.
- Aesthetic Issues – Missing or misaligned canines can affect your smile and facial symmetry.
- Functional Problems – Canines play a crucial role in biting and guiding jaw movements.
Final Thoughts
Impacted canines are a common orthodontic issue, but with early detection and proper treatment, they can often be successfully guided into place. If your child has delayed eruption of canines or if you suspect an impacted tooth, consult an orthodontist as soon as possible.
Need Help?
Book an appointment with an orthodontist to evaluate your case and discuss the best treatment options for a healthy, confident smile!