Braces vs. Surgery for Impacted Canines: Which Treatment Do You Need?

Braces and surgery are two common treatments for impacted canines. The best approach depends on the tooth's position and severity of impaction.

Canine teeth, also known as cuspids or eye teeth, play a crucial role in guiding your bite and maintaining dental alignment. However, in some cases, these teeth fail to erupt properly and become trapped beneath the gums. This condition is known as an impacted canine.

Impacted canines can cause a range of dental issues, including misalignment, discomfort, and damage to nearby teeth. Fortunately, treatment options such as braces and surgery can help correct the problem. But which option is right for you? This guide breaks down the differences between braces and surgical intervention to help you understand the best approach for treating impacted canines.

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Do Impacted Canines Always Need Surgery?

Not all impacted canines require surgery. The need for surgical intervention depends on several factors, including:

• Position of the impacted tooth (shallow vs. deep impaction)

• Age of the patient (younger patients have a higher chance of natural eruption with braces)

• Available space in the jaw

• Impact on surrounding teeth (risk of root damage, crowding, or cyst formation)

Some impacted canines can be guided into place with braces alone, while others may require a minor surgical procedure before orthodontic treatment can be effective.

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Braces for Impacted Canines

Braces are often the first step in treating an impacted canine. They work by creating space and using gradual pressure to encourage the tooth to erupt naturally.

When Braces Alone Can Work

Braces may be enough to fix an impacted canine if:

• The tooth is close to the surface and not deeply embedded

• There is enough space in the dental arch for the tooth to move

• The patient is young, allowing the tooth to shift more easily

How Braces Help Impacted Canines

1. Creating space by slowly moving the surrounding teeth to make room for the impacted canine.

2. Guided eruption if the canine is positioned correctly and can emerge naturally over time.

3. Bite alignment to ensure the tooth fits properly once it has been moved into place.

Braces are a non-invasive solution that works well when caught early. However, if the tooth does not erupt on its own, additional treatment may be necessary.

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When Surgery Is Needed for Impacted Canines

If the canine tooth is deeply impacted or blocked by bone or gum tissue, a minor surgical exposure procedure may be required. This allows the orthodontist to access the tooth and guide it into place.

Signs That Surgery May Be Necessary

• The tooth is fully trapped beneath the gum and not visible

• The canine is growing at an incorrect angle toward the palate or other teeth

• Braces alone have not helped the tooth erupt naturally

• The impacted tooth is causing pain, swelling, or cyst formation

How Surgery Works

1. Exposure of the tooth by making a small incision in the gum.

2. Attachment of a small orthodontic bracket and chain to the tooth.

3. Connection to braces to allow slow movement over time.

4. Gradual tooth movement using orthodontic traction to bring the tooth into position.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and has a quick recovery time. Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days but can return to normal activities shortly after.

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Braces vs. Surgery: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Factor	Braces Alone	Surgery + Braces
Depth of impaction	Mild to moderate	Deep impaction
Age of patient	Younger patients	Older patients or severe cases
Space availability	Sufficient space	Requires surgical exposure
Tooth angle	Favorable for movement	Poor angle, may need repositioning
Risk to other teeth	Low	Higher if left untreated

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What Happens if an Impacted Canine Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring an impacted canine can lead to several dental complications, including:

• Damage to neighboring teeth, including root resorption

• Misalignment and bite issues

• Cyst formation in the jaw

• Increased difficulty in treatment later in life

Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of a successful outcome and reduce the need for extensive procedures.

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Whether treated with braces, surgery, or both, correcting an impacted canine leads to a healthier, more confident smile.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or your child has an impacted canine, the first step is a professional evaluation. At Bright Braces, our team will assess the position of the tooth and determine whether braces alone or a combination of surgery and orthodontic treatment is needed.