Comparisons of different treatment methods and their outcomes for impacted maxillary and mandibular canines: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Impacted canines may pose a functional and an esthetic problem for patients and can affect neighboring incisors. The aim of the study was to compare different treatment methods and their outcomes for impacted maxillary and mandibular canines.

METHODS

The authors included 102 patients with 118 impacted canines (82 maxillary and 36 mandibular canines). Impacted canine were confirmed during clinical and radiologic examinations. Eighty-five patients (83%) with 97 impacted canines started the treatment. The authors analyzed treatment types and outcomes. Two maxillary and 4 mandibular canines were scheduled for extraction.

RESULTS

Orthodontic extrusion was used most frequently to treat impacted maxillary canines (89%), whereas orthodontic extrusion and transalveolar transplantation were performed most frequently in impacted mandibular canines (33% and 37.5%, respectively). The treatment was successful in 96% of the maxillary and 95% of the impacted mandibular canines.

CONCLUSIONS

Different methods were used for impacted maxillary and mandibular canines, but their overall success rate was high.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Successful outcome is determined via a well-planned and carefully executed orthodontic and surgical treatment. Early diagnosis is pivotal in facilitating spontaneous canine eruption and implementing transalveolar transplantation in a timely way.