Abstract

Introduction: Dental esthetics and properly aligned teeth can be affected by delayed canine eruptions. The decision to expose the impacted tooth or extraction and replacement with dental implant plays an important role in function and esthetics. Surgical intervention is often used to bring the impacted canines into a normal position. This treatment requires timely management by the orthodontic and surgical teams.

Case Report: A 11-year-old female with an unremarkable medical history was referred for delayed eruption of primary dentition and impacted maxillary canines #6, 11. Upon clinical and radiographic evaluations, the primary canines were present. Both #6 and 11 were mesially impacted. Tooth #11 had an underdeveloped root. Treatment plan included extractions of primary teeth, maxillary expansion and later exposure of maxillary canines with close monitoring of #11 root formation. This treatment allowed more space for eruption of permanent teeth and root development. After two years, the canines exhibited adequate root formation and canine exposure was carried out. Both canines were exposed using a closed technique with secured gold chains to allow eruption. All teeth were aligned with good static and functional occlusion post canine exposure.

Conclusion: The current case presents the successful orthodontic and surgical management of bilaterally impacted canines. Esthetically pleasing results were achieved with adequate keratinized gingiva and stable periodontium with one-year follow-up.

Keywords: Esthetics; Exposure; Impacted; Orthodontics; Periodontics; Tooth

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