Unerupted ectopically position canine causing mobility of the lateral incisor: Noninvasive management through palatal expansion

Abstract

Early orthodontic treatment remains controversial in literature. Delayed eruption and impaction of the canine are the common phenomena. However, a unerupted mandibular canine causing mobility of the permanent lateral incisor is a relatively rare case. An 11-year-old Saudi girl presented with a complaint of mobility of the lower left permanent lateral incisor. An ectopically erupted permanent left mandibular canine and a narrow maxilla were evident upon examination. Rapid palatal expansion was started to expand the maxilla for 2 weeks and it was retained for 6 months, after which the patient was followed for a year. At the end of a year, the lower permanent left canine erupted and there was a reduction in anterior crowding. At the end of 2 years, the child demonstrated no relapse of crowding. Expansion of the maxilla can be a useful technique to facilitate the expansion of the mandible.