How Long Does It Take to Pull Down a Canine Tooth with Braces? An Orthodontist Explains

Impacted canine teeth sometimes need a little help waking up and moving into place—braces and gentle traction do the trick!

If you've been told you or your child has an impacted canine tooth, you're likely filled with questions. One of the most pressing is: How long will it take to bring that tooth into place with braces? At Bright Braces in Katy, TX, we're here to shed light on this process and guide you every step of the way.

And if you're on the hunt for soft bites and smile-safe meals during treatment, check out our guide to braces-friendly restaurants in Greater Houston.

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Understanding Impacted Canines

Canine teeth—often called “eye teeth”—play a big role in your dental structure. They help guide your bite and contribute to the overall shape and symmetry of your smile. But sometimes, these teeth don’t erupt as expected and become impacted. That means they’re stuck beneath the gums or jawbone and need a little help getting to where they belong.

Wondering whether braces alone can do the trick—or if surgery might be needed? We break it all down here.

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The Journey of Bringing Down an Impacted Canine

The process of guiding an impacted canine into position is a team effort between your orthodontist and, sometimes, an oral surgeon. While every case is different, here’s a general idea of how long the process takes:

1. Initial Consultation and Imaging (1–2 weeks) We start with a full orthodontic evaluation, including X-rays or 3D imaging, to see exactly where the impacted tooth is and how best to bring it down.

2. Creating Space (1–3 months) Braces are placed to gently shift neighboring teeth and create room for the impacted canine to come in.

3. Surgical Exposure (if needed) If the tooth is deeply impacted, a minor surgical procedure may be required to expose it and attach a small bracket and chain.

4. Orthodontic Traction (6–12 months) With steady, gentle force, we guide the tooth into its proper position over time.

5. Final Alignment and Retention (6–12 months) Once the canine is in place, we continue fine-tuning your bite and finish up with retainers to maintain the results.

Altogether, the process can take 18 months to 3 years, depending on age, how impacted the tooth is, and how your body responds to treatment.

For a deeper look at how braces can help—and why early treatment matters—check out our deep dive.

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Factors That Affect the Timeline

A few things can influence how long this journey takes:

• Age – Younger patients often respond faster to treatment.

• Tooth Position – Teeth buried deep in the gums or at steep angles usually take longer to reposition.

• Space in the Arch – If there's not enough room, we may need to create space or use expanders.

• Consistency with Treatment – Regular appointments and following instructions help everything move along smoothly.

And if you’re curious about how orthodontics isn’t just for humans, take a peek at what it's like for dogs! It’s a tail-waggin’ good read with some surprising takeaways!

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Why It’s Important to Treat an Impacted Canine

Leaving an impacted canine alone isn’t usually a good idea. It can lead to complications like damage to neighboring teeth, cyst formation, or unwanted shifting. Addressing the issue early improves results and reduces the chances of long-term issues.

And once your smile’s aligned and healthy, you might be thinking about a little extra sparkle—take a look at our approach to see how we brighten smiles the Bright Braces way.

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Bright Braces Is Here to Help

At Bright Braces, we understand that impacted canines can feel intimidating—but you’re not alone. Our team is experienced in handling even the most complex orthodontic cases with a steady hand and a whole lot of heart. We use advanced imaging, gentle techniques, and flexible scheduling to make treatment smooth from start to finish.

We also offer affordable payment plans; we’ll make sure the process feels manageable, clear, and comfortable.

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Braces paired with a small surgical exposure and chain can successfully guide an impacted canine into position over time.

Let’s Brighten Your Smile—Together

If you’re dealing with an impacted canine or have questions about how long braces might take in your case, schedule a free consultation with Bright Braces today. We’ll walk you through your options and help you build a treatment plan that fits your timeline, your lifestyle, and your smile goals. We're proud to be serving the many communities across Houston, including Four Corners, Fulshear, Jersey Village, & Katy.