Orthodontic treatment of impacted maxillary canines: case report with a three-year follow-up

Abstract

The orthodontic management of ectopic or impacted canines is still a real challenge for the main reason of the major importance and role that canines play in facial esthetic and occlusal guidance. This case report describes the orthodontic treatment strategies employed and the orthodontic anchorage used to manage the case of a child with impacted maxillary canines and ectopic mandibular canines. A 14-year-old male patient was treated at the Orthodontics Department of Morocco’s Faculty of Dentistry of Rabat. He presented with class I malocclusion and moderate crowding in both the maxillary and mandibular arches. The treatment involved the use of fixed orthodontic appliances, strategic extractions, and surgical interventions aimed at aligning the impacted and ectopic canines. The treatment lasted for 29 months, achieving successful alignment of the canines and improvement in the patient’s facial esthetics and dental function. The clinical results included normal overjet, overbite, and a harmonious facial profile with stable occlusion. Post-treatment radiographic and cephalometric analyses confirmed effective alignment and angulation of the teeth. This orthodontic case shows the importance of analyzing treatment plans and considering the orthodontic anchorage in the management of complex cases of tooth impaction and ectopia. This case underscores the necessity of a meticulous assessment of diagnosis and treatment approach to achieve both esthetic and functional treatment goals.