Epidemiology of Maxillary Impacted Canines

Epidemiology

• Maxillary impacted canines (MICs) occur in approximately 1-2% of the general population
• Females are more affected than males, with a ratio of 2:1
• Most MICs occur in the upper arch, with a ratio of 10:1 compared to the lower arch

Etiology

• Genetic predisposition
• Overcrowding and arch length discrepancy
• Abnormal tooth development and eruption
• Prolonged retention of primary canines
• Impaired resorption of primary roots
• Trauma and habits

Clinical Features

• Palpable bulge in the buccal sulcus
• Asymmetry of the maxillary arch
• Delayed or absent eruption of the impacted canine
• Associated symptoms: pain, swelling, and infection

Diagnostic Aids

• Clinical examination
• Radiographic examination:
  • Panoramic radiograph (OPT)
  • Periapical radiograph
  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
• Study models and impressions

Orthodontic Management

• Interceptive treatment:
  • Early extraction of primary canines
  • Creation of space in the arch
• Exposure and bonding:
  • Surgical exposure of the impacted tooth
  • Bonding of a gold chain or orthodontic bracket
• Orthodontic traction:
  • Use of elastics or nickel-titanium springs
  • Controlled orthodontic movement
• Post-treatment retention:
  • Fixed or removable retainers
  • Long-term monitoring and recall appointments

Complications and Challenges

• Root resorption of adjacent teeth
• Deviation from the predicted path of eruption
• Ankylosis or infraocclusion
• Root fracture or damage during surgical exposure
• Inadequate orthodontic movement or relapse

Epidemiology of Maxillary Impacted Canines

• Maxillary impacted canines (MICs) occur in approximately 1-2% of the general population.
• Females are more affected than males, with a ratio of 2:1.
• Most MICs occur in the upper arch, with a ratio of 10:1 compared to the lower arch.

Etiology of Maxillary Impacted Canines

• Genetic predisposition is a contributing factor.
• Overcrowding and arch length discrepancy can lead to MICs.
• Abnormal tooth development and eruption can cause MICs.
• Prolonged retention of primary canines can contribute to MICs.
• Impaired resorption of primary roots can lead to MICs.
• Trauma and habits can also contribute to MICs.

Clinical Features of Maxillary Impacted Canines

• A palpable bulge in the buccal sulcus is a common feature.
• Asymmetry of the maxillary arch can occur.
• Delayed or absent eruption of the impacted canine is a key feature.
• Associated symptoms include pain, swelling, and infection.

Diagnostic Aids for Maxillary Impacted Canines

• Clinical examination is essential for diagnosis.
• Radiographic examination is necessary, including:
  • Panoramic radiograph (OPT)
  • Periapical radiograph
  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
• Study models and impressions are also useful for diagnosis.

Orthodontic Management of Maxillary Impacted Canines

• Interceptive treatment involves:
  • Early extraction of primary canines
  • Creation of space in the arch
• Exposure and bonding involve:
  • Surgical exposure of the impacted tooth
  • Bonding of a gold chain or orthodontic bracket
• Orthodontic traction involves:
  • Use of elastics or nickel-titanium springs
  • Controlled orthodontic movement
• Post-treatment retention involves:
  • Fixed or removable retainers
  • Long-term monitoring and recall appointments

Complications and Challenges of Maxillary Impacted Canines

• Root resorption of adjacent teeth can occur.
• Deviation from the predicted path of eruption can happen.
• Ankylosis or infraocclusion can be a complication.
• Root fracture or damage during surgical exposure can occur.
• Inadequate orthodontic movement or relapse can happen.