TREATMENT OF PALATALLY IMPACTED CANINE TEETH

The etiology of canine impactions is unknown. The migration of the crown palatally will usually result in impaction because of the hard, dense tissues that it encounters. A simple surgical exposure is all that is necessary to allow the tooth to erupt. Normal eruption is usually faster than can be accomplished by mechanical methods. A 4- to 6-month waiting period is advised to shorten the over-all period of treatment. Any method of treatment best known to the orthodontist can be used to move the teeth to their correct arch position. I prefer gold cast onlays with loops or Johnson brackets with ligature holes soldered to the gold onlays and the Johnson twin arch technique. No retention is necessary for holding canines labial to the lower dental arch. I hope that Figs. 5, 6, and 7 will demonstrate my own methods of treating palatally impacted canine teeth on the basis of simplicity and patience. © 1969.