Impacted Canines: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
- Bright Braces
- Feb 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
An impacted canine is a permanent tooth that becomes trapped beneath the gums or bone. As a result, it cannot erupt into its proper position. While this can sound alarming, orthodontists successfully treat this common condition, especially when they diagnose it early.
A missing adult canine or a baby tooth that remains in place may be a sign of canine impaction. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine why. It also helps determine the best treatment option.
Signs You May Have an Impacted Canine
Permanent canine hasn't erupted
Baby tooth remains in place
Swollen or raised gums
Crowded or shifting teeth
Think your child may have an impacted canine?
What Is an Impacted Canine?
An impacted canine is a tooth that becomes trapped beneath the gums instead of erupting normally. Upper canine teeth are the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth. Because these teeth help guide your bite and support your smile, early treatment helps prevent future alignment problems.
What Causes an Impacted Canine?
Several factors can contribute to canine impaction, including:
Lack of space in the jaw
Genetics
Baby teeth that don't fall out on time
Abnormal tooth position
Cysts or other growths
Dr. Bright's Advice
"One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that impacted canines always cause pain. In reality, many children don't experience any discomfort at all, which is why regular orthodontic evaluations are so important. The earlier we identify an impacted canine, the more treatment options we typically have available."
How Does an Orthodontist Diagnose an Impacted Canine?
Your orthodontist uses a clinical exam and digital imaging to determine whether the canine has erupted properly. They also help your orthodontist develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Your evaluation may include:
Visual examination
Panoramic X-rays
3D CBCT imaging (when needed)
These images reveal the tooth's exact location, its position, and whether it affects nearby teeth.
How Does an Orthodontist Treat an Impacted Canine?
Treatment depends on the position of the tooth, but most cases follow the same process:
Digital imaging to locate the tooth
Braces or aligners create space
Surgical exposure may be performed if the tooth remains beneath the gums
Gentle orthodontic guidance brings the tooth into position
Throughout impacted canine treatment, your orthodontist monitors progress and makes adjustments until the canine reaches its proper position.
Do All Impacted Canines Require Surgery?
No. Every case is different. Treatment depends on the tooth's position, the available space, and whether it's already beginning to erupt.
Not Always
Orthodontic care alone can correct some cases. Braces or clear aligners can create space for the tooth to erupt naturally. In some cases, patients can avoid impacted canine surgery altogether.
Sometimes Surgical Exposure Is Needed
If the tooth remains trapped beneath the gums, your orthodontist may recommend an impacted canine exposure. During this minor procedure, the oral surgeon uncovers the tooth so your orthodontist can gradually guide it into alignment.
Extraction Is Uncommon
Orthodontists rarely recommend impacted canine extraction or removal. They recommend extraction only when they cannot safely guide the tooth into position. Canine teeth play an important role in your bite and smile. Whenever possible, we prefer to preserve the natural tooth.
That’s why a personalized evaluation is so important.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early treatment gives your orthodontist more options and helps prevent future complications.
Without treatment, this condition can lead to:
Crowding and shifting teeth
Damage to neighboring tooth roots
Longer or more complex orthodontic treatment
Think Your Child May Have an Impacted Canine?
Early diagnosis can make treatment simpler and more predictable. If you've noticed delayed tooth eruption or unusual spacing, it's time for an evaluation. Dr. Bright can determine the best next step.
Braces and orthodontic techniques help gradually guide these teeth into alignment, creating a healthy, properly functioning smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Canines
Can braces fix impacted canine teeth?
Yes. Braces successfully treat many impacted canines. When enough space is available and the tooth is well positioned, braces can guide it into place. Some patients may also need a minor surgical exposure before orthodontic treatment can begin moving the tooth.
Do all cases require impacted canine tooth surgery?
No. Some cases respond to orthodontic treatment alone. Other cases require a minor surgical exposure before your orthodontist can guide the tooth into place. In rare situations, your orthodontist may recommend impacted canine removal when the tooth cannot safely reach its proper position.
When should an orthodontist treat an impacted canine?
Orthodontists typically recommend evaluating canine development between ages 11 and 13. If a permanent canine hasn't erupted as expected, early evaluation often leads to simpler and more predictable treatment.
What happens if an impacted canine goes untreated?
The tooth may not cause pain, but leaving it untreated can create bigger problems. Crowding, bite issues, and damage to nearby teeth may develop over time. An early evaluation helps determine the best course of action.
You're Not Alone
Impacted canines are one of the most common orthodontic concerns after wisdom teeth. With early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, many patients can achieve excellent outcomes while preserving their natural tooth.
Schedule an Impacted Canine Consultation
A missing canine tooth or delayed eruption warrants an orthodontic evaluation. An early evaluation can make treatment simpler and more predictable. At Bright Braces, we use advanced imaging and personalized treatment planning to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Schedule your consultation today to learn the best treatment options for your child.
Let Bright Orthodontics guide your smile safely and effectively.
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