Canine teeth, also known as cuspids or eye teeth, play a crucial role in your bite and smile. They help guide your teeth into proper alignment and are essential for chewing and tearing food. But what happens when these teeth don’t emerge correctly? This is known as an impacted canine, a condition where the tooth remains trapped beneath the gums.
Impacted canines are more common than many people realize, and leaving them untreated can lead to serious dental complications. This guide will explain what impacted canines are, why they happen, and what treatment options are available to bring them into proper position.
What Is an Impacted Canine?
An impacted canine is a tooth that fails to erupt into its correct position in the dental arch. While this can happen to any tooth, the upper canine teeth are the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.
Impacted canines can remain completely hidden under the gums or partially emerge in the wrong location. In some cases, they may shift and push against neighboring teeth, causing misalignment or damage.
What Causes an Impacted Canine?
Several factors can contribute to canine impaction, including:
Lack of space in the jaw, preventing the canine from emerging properly
Genetics, which can increase the likelihood of impacted teeth
Baby teeth that don’t fall out on time, blocking the permanent tooth
Abnormal tooth positioning, making it difficult for the canine to erupt
Cysts or growths in the gums or jawbone that interfere with normal tooth eruption
Signs and Symptoms of an Impacted Canine
Some impacted canines show obvious symptoms, while others are only detected through X-rays. Common signs include:
A missing or delayed adult canine tooth
Swelling or discomfort in the upper jaw
Crowding or shifting of other teeth
A noticeable bump in the gum line
Difficulty biting or chewing
If you or your child has any of these symptoms, an orthodontist can perform an evaluation to determine the best course of action.
How Are Impacted Canines Diagnosed?
Orthodontists diagnose impacted canines using a combination of:
Visual examination to check for missing or delayed teeth
Digital X-rays or 3D scans to determine the exact location of the impacted tooth
Palpation of the gum area to feel for a trapped tooth beneath the surface
Early diagnosis, ideally around ages 11 to 13, increases the chances of successful treatment without surgery.
Treatment Options for Impacted Canines
The best treatment approach depends on the severity of the impaction and the patient’s age.
Orthodontic Braces With Tooth Guidance
For mild to moderate cases, braces and specialized orthodontic techniques can help guide the impacted canine into its proper place. A common method involves:
Attaching a small chain or bracket to the impacted tooth
Using orthodontic elastics or springs to gradually move the tooth
Expanding the dental arch if space is limited
This process can take several months to a year, depending on how deep the tooth is.
Surgical Exposure and Bonding
If the canine is deeply impacted, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary. This involves:
Lifting the gum to expose the impacted tooth
Attaching an orthodontic bracket or chain
Gradually pulling the tooth into place with braces
This is a common and effective treatment option when braces alone are not enough.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement
In severe cases where the impacted canine cannot be moved, it may need to be extracted. The missing tooth can then be replaced with:
A dental implant for a permanent solution
A bridge or partial denture for aesthetic and functional purposes
Extraction is usually a last resort, as canines play a key role in dental alignment and function.
Why Early Treatment Is Important
Intercepting an impacted canine early increases the chances of successfully guiding it into place without surgery. If left untreated, impacted canines can:
Cause crowding and misalignment of surrounding teeth
Increase the risk of cyst formation around the trapped tooth
Lead to damage or resorption of neighboring teeth
Create long-term bite and aesthetic issues if the canine remains in the wrong position
An orthodontic consultation by age 11 to 13 allows specialists to determine if early intervention is needed.
Schedule a Consultation for Impacted Canines in Katy
If you or your child has a missing or impacted canine, early treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy, well-aligned smile. At Bright Braces, our orthodontic team specializes in diagnosing and treating impacted canines with advanced orthodontic and surgical techniques.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile.
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