Substitution of impacted canines by maxillary first premolars: a valid alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2013 Jan;143(1):125-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2011.08.029.

Abstract

A 13-year-old girl came with the chief complaint of an unesthetic dental appearance. Her maxillary canines were bilaterally impacted. Treatment included extraction of the maxillary canines and the mandibular second premolars. The maxillary first premolars were substituted for the canines. After 26 months of active treatment, the patient had a Class I molar relationship and ideal overbite and overjet. Her profile was improved, lips were competent, and gingival levels were acceptable. Cephalometric evaluation showed acceptable maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations. Intraoral pictures taken 3 years 7 months after the end of treatment demonstrated that the extraction of impacted canines and their substitution by first premolars can be a valid alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment when maxillary premolar extraction is a treatment option.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bicuspid*
  • Cephalometry
  • Cuspid / pathology*
  • Cuspid / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maxilla
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Tooth Movement Techniques*
  • Tooth, Impacted / surgery*