How Long Do Braces Take to Fix an Impacted Canine?
- Bright Braces
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
When a canine tooth doesn’t erupt as expected, it can cause more than just a gap—it can affect your bite, your smile, and your overall dental health. Canine teeth (also called cuspids or eye teeth) play a big role in guiding your bite and helping your other teeth stay aligned. When one gets stuck beneath the gums, it’s known as an impacted canine. Fortunately, braces can guide that tooth into its proper place—but the process takes time, patience, and teamwork between you and your orthodontist.
At Bright Braces, we’ve helped countless patients bring down impacted canines safely and beautifully. Here’s what you need to know about the timeline, the process, and how we make it all feel a little easier as part of your Bright Smile Journey.
How Long Does It Take for Braces to Fix an Impacted Canine?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most treatments take 6 months to 2 years from start to finish. The variation depends on factors like:
Depth of impaction: A tooth that’s only slightly trapped under the gums may emerge in months, while one that’s fully embedded might take more than a year.
Patient’s age: Younger patients’ teeth tend to move faster since their bone structure is still developing.
Space availability: If there’s not enough room for the tooth to come in, braces or a palatal expander will be used to create space first.
Surgical exposure: Some impacted canines need a small surgical procedure to attach a chain that helps pull the tooth down.
Patient compliance: Regularly scheduling appointments, great brushing habits, and following instructions help keep things on schedule.
While every smile moves at its own pace, steady progress and good care can make a big difference in how quickly your tooth moves into place.
*If you haven’t yet scheduled your exam, check out our guide on Katy Orthodontics: How to Find the Best Orthodontist for Your Smile.
Step-by-Step Timeline of Treatment
1. Initial Consultation and Imaging
At your first visit, the team will take X-rays & digital imaging to determine where the impacted canine is hiding. This helps us build a personalized treatment plan.
2. Creating Space
Before the impacted tooth can move into place, there must be enough room. Braces or a palatal expander may be used to shift neighboring teeth. This step can take several months, especially in cases with crowding.
3. Surgical Exposure (If Needed)
If the canine is completely trapped under the gums, a minor procedure exposes it. The oral surgeon bonds a small bracket and attaches a gold chain to the tooth, which connects to the braces wire. This chain allows your orthodontist to apply gentle, steady pressure to bring the tooth down.
4. Orthodontic Traction
This is the heart of the process. Over several months, your orthodontist will tighten the chain in small increments, allowing the impacted tooth to move slowly into position. On average, this stage takes 6 to 12 months depending on how far the tooth needs to travel.
5. Final Alignment and Bite Correction
Once the canine has reached its proper spot, braces continue to refine your smile and bite. Sometimes, we use powerchains to close small gaps and ensure everything fits perfectly.
Patients who also need overbite correction (forsus) may have this step incorporated toward the end of treatment to improve their bite alignment.
6. Retention Phase
After braces come off, retainers keep your new alignment stable. Regular office visits and good hygiene keep your results looking their best.
Factors That Can Extend Treatment Time
Deep impaction: Teeth that are positioned high in the gums take longer to move.
Bone density: Adults often have denser bone structure, which can slow tooth movement slightly.
Missed visits: Consistency matters! Staying on top of appointments keeps treatment running smoothly.
Oral hygiene and care: Skipping brushing or breaking brackets can delay progress.
At Bright Braces, we make sure every patient has a clear timeline and the tools to stay on track. We’ll even send friendly text reminders to help you never miss a visit.
*Curious about the surgical treatment for an impacted canine? Read our blog on Surgery for Impacted Canines: Do You Need It?
What Happens If an Impacted Canine Isn’t Treated?
Leaving an impacted canine untreated can lead to serious problems, including:
Damage to neighboring tooth roots
Misalignment or crowding
Cyst formation around the trapped tooth
Gum irritation or infection
Early intervention is key. Identifying an impacted tooth around ages 11–13 gives the best outcome, but even adults see great results with the right care.
Caring for Your Smile During Treatment
While your tooth is being guided into place, a few habits make all the difference:
Brush and floss carefully around the chain and brackets.
Avoid sticky foods that could pull on the attachments.
Use a fluoride rinse to protect enamel.
Report any irritation, soreness, or loose wires right away. We always make room for emergencies at Bright Braces.
And if you’re feeling bold about your smile journey, ask about adding Twinkles once your braces come off—a little sparkle to mark the finish line!
*Want to see what this process gets you in the real world? Visit our gallery of Before & After transformations—proof that patience pays off and gives you Smiles For Days.
What Makes Bright Braces Different?
We believe orthodontics is more than moving teeth—it’s about transforming confidence. From 3D imaging to gentle techniques, everything we do is designed for comfort and precision. And if you’re wondering about treatment flexibility, we offer payment plans that fit your budget and your timeline through our 3800 program..
We also help patients compare options like braces vs. clear aligners, and offer Invisalign for those who qualify. Plus, our teeth whitening approach ensures that once your braces come off, your smile shines as bright as it feels.
Want to learn more about our team? Meet Dr. Bright—the expert behind every confident grin.
Patience Leads to Progress
An impacted canine can be tricky, but with the right orthodontic plan, it’s absolutely fixable. Treatment can take time, but every adjustment moves you closer to your best smile.
If you’re in Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, or any of the nearby communities we serve, our team at Bright Braces is ready to help. Whether you’re exploring braces, clear aligners, or surgical options, we’ll walk you through what we offer with honesty and care.
Ready to Bring The Bright? Book online, contact us, or stop by the office for your first visit today and start your journey toward a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
*If you’re wondering whether treatment or surgery is best for your case, visit our comparison post: Braces vs. Surgery for Impacted Canines: Which Treatment Do You Need?