Evaluation of Osseous Ridge Height of Impacted Canines managed with Orthodontic Treatment and Canines with Natural Eruption

Abstract

Background: Normal functional occlusion requires teeth to be perfectly aligned with adequate anterior coupling and canine protection guidance. Purpose: To evaluate the alveolar ridge height of maxillary impacted canines after orthodontic traction and compare it to contralateral canines with normal eruption, in patients between 10 and 18 years of age. Methods: The sample consisted of 10 impacted canines and 10 control canines. After radiographic identification of the impacted canines and subsequent surgical exposure, elastic traction was performed to position them in the occlusion plane. Radiographic records were obtained at 0, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Results: The radiographic comparison of the osseous alveolar ridge height and variables such as age, gender, impacted canine classification and time of treatment showed that the height of the alveolar ridge was not significantly reduced. Conclusions: A combined technique of conservative surgery and traction of maxillary impacted canines results in a favorable prognosis for these teeth by allowing appropriate tissue support as reflected in the height of the osseous alveolar ridge. The final outcome is not affected by gender in young patients (up to 18 years of age). KEYWORDS tooth movement; impacted tooth; upper canine; impacted canine; alveolar ridge; tooth traction