The Treatment Of Impacted Maxillary Canine

Maxillary canine impaction is a common problem in orthodontics, and is considered to be the most complex domain in orthodontics because of the uncertainty of its etiology and prognosis and the diversity of the treatment options. The complexity of this clinical problem is further compounded by the scarcity of properly controlled clinical research. This paper has reviewed national and international dental texts, journals and publications concerning impacted maxillary canine for the last 50 years. The etiology of maxillary canine impaction was summarized; the principles, indications and procedures of each treatment options were fully described; the incisor root resorption caused by impacted canine, pulp changes and periodontal degeneration resulted from orthodontic traction were discussed. The purpose of this paper was to offer the available scientific evidence and help orthodontists to solve the big problem of maxillary canine impaction.