Impacted canines – interceptive treatment

Canines, especially upper canines, are the second most frequently impacted permanent teeth, after third molars. Orthodontic extrusion of ectopic impacted canines is often complex, long-lasting and may lead to iatrogenic complications. In children, implementation of interceptive treatment helps to normalise the canine position in the alveolar process and its spontaneous eruption.

Aim
The aim of the study was to review the literature regarding the methods of interceptive treatment for impacted maxillary and mandibular canines supported by relevant clinical examples.

Material and methods
A review of literature on interceptive treatment of impacted canines has been performed for the period 1961–2018. The medical databases PubMed and Medline were used.

Results
Extraction of deciduous maxillary canines and maxillary first deciduous molars, maxillary expansion with rapid maxillary expanders and transpalatal arches, also in combination with extraoral traction and space opening the dental arch with fixed appliances are effective methods of interceptive treatment in patients at the developmental age with impacted upper canines. There is no effective protocol for interceptive treatment for impacted mandibular canines described in the literature.

Conclusions
The use of interceptive treatment in growing patients positively influences spontaneous eruption of ectopic impacted maxillary canines. Early clinical and radiological diagnosis of ectopic canine position is very important for success.