Abstract
Quick reference/description
Assessment and diagnosis
Management
Assessment | Diagnosis | Management |
|---|---|---|
Sector 1 Angle of less than 21° to the midline | The canine(s) is/are unlikely to be displaced | Monitor eruption If one canine is high (relative to the occlusal plane) or significantly delayed compared with the other canine or if both canines are delayed relative to the dental age, then consider space creation The primary canine(s) should exfoliate naturally, but extraction may speed up the eruption of the permanent canine |
Sectors 2 and 3 Not palpable Angle of less than 21° to the midline | The canine(s) is/are probably palatally displaced (check with parallax radiographic views) | Consider space creation or extraction of the primary canine (or both) |
Sectors 4 and 5 Not palpable | The canine(s) is/are significantly displaced. | Extraction of the primary canine(s) is unlikely to improve the position of the permanent canine Surgical exposure and orthodontic alignment will probably be required to align the permanent canine Maintenance of the primary canine in the medium term could be considered |
Overview
Procedure
Extraction of the primary canine
Space creation
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) (Fig. 1)
Bonded orthodontic appliances (Fig. 2)
Headgear
Maintenance of the primary tooth
Advantages and disadvantages of intervention (Table 2)
Pitfalls and complications
Intervention | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
1. Extraction of the primary canine | Might speed up the eruption of the PDC Might be effective if the PDC is not too displaced into the palate | Sometimes the first dental procedure the young person has had to undergo Probably not effective if the PDC is very displaced towards the midline Can leave a gap in the mouth for a while until the PDC erupts in some patients it is better to preserve the primary canine, rather than subject them to prolong orthodontic treatment |
2. Space creation | Might avoid the need for a dental extraction | Treatment might be prolonged if the PDC takes a while to erupt Subjects the young person to the usual risks of orthodontic treatment, particularly if the braces are not looked after |
3. Maintaining the primary canine | Avoids surgery and potentially lengthy orthodontic treatment | Will require restorative replacement if/when the primary tooth becomes mobile or excessively worn |