Lower canine malpositions in the period of eruption: incidence and relation with upper canine malpositions

Abstract

Times of eruption and final formation of the apices of lower canines precede these of the upper canines by approximately 2 years. Deviations in time of eruption and position of the lower canines may indicate disturbances in the formation of orthognathic occlusion. The objective of this epidemiological study was to examine the incidence of eruption deviations, or the tendency to impaction of lower canines as well as the incidence of simultaneous eruption deviations of the lower and upper canines in the range of 9 to 18 years of age. In 705 out of a total of 907 children, various deformities were found out. In 201 (28.51%) children, canine eruption deviations were observed either in the upper, or in the lower jaw, or in both jaws. In 56 (27.86%) of these children, deviations in lower canine position and in both upper and lower canine positions were established. These results show that in permanent dentition, there is a significant increase of the troubles related with lower canine malposition. In 20 (57.14%) children, malpositions of the lower canines only were observed, while in 10 (28.57%) ones, malpositions of both upper and lower canines were found. In late mixed dentition, canine deviations in both upper and lower jaws were more common. The incidence of deviations in canine position for both jaws was the highest in class I according to the Angle`s classification, i.e., in 48 children (in 85.71% of the cases). In conclusion, the early detection of disturbances in eruption and position of lower canines is of crucial importance for the formation of normal occlusal proportions and thus an essential precondition for dentition functionality and aesthetics. Early primary and secondary prophylactic measures may be of significant benefit for the regularity of lower canine eruption. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2012; 44(2): 85-88.