Early Timely Management of Ectopically Erupting Maxillary Canines

Diagnosis and treatment of ectopically erupting permanent maxillary canines require timely management by the orthodontist. Potentially impacted maxillary canines may be inadvertently overlooked in the mixed dentition due to the variations in eruption patterns and timing. Periodic examination starting at age 8, including clinical intraoral palpation and selective radiographs, may aid in the early diagnosis of unerupting and potentially impacted permanent canines. When such a diagnosis is apparent, timely interceptive therapy may then be instituted. This article reviewed the incidence, etiology, and development of the maxillary canine. The rationale for early management of potentially impacted maxillary canine is discussed together with the treatment for labially and palatally impacted canines.