매복 견치 견인 치험례

Orthodontic Treatment of Impacted Canines

Impacted canines, if left untreated, may cause complications such as root resorption of adjacent teeth or cyst formation. Orthodontic traction, however, also carries risks to neighboring structures, making proper treatment planning essential. Especially, labially impacted canines require careful management due to the increased risk of gingival recession and esthetic concerns. This case report presents two pediatric patients with labially impacted canines located close to adjacent roots, that were managed successfully with three-dimensional evaluation and guided orthodontic traction. Both patients showed skeletal Class III malocclusion and labially impacted canines with a high risk of damage to the adjacent teeth. Using three-dimensional images, the spatial positions of the impacted and neighboring teeth were accurately evaluated, and treatment plans were designed to minimize dental and periodontal damages. Anchorage was reinforced using transpalatal arch and a lingual arch. After root separation was achieved, distal and extrusive traction of the impacted canines were performed, followed by anterior alignment to complete the phase I treatment. Canines play a critical role in both function and esthetics, yet they are one of the most frequently impacted teeth. Therefore, regular radiographic monitoring is essential, and three-dimensional assessment should be considered when needed. In particular, labially impacted canines require treatment planning that accounts for both periodontal health and esthetic outcomes after traction. In the present cases, careful planning based on three-dimensional analysis allowed for successful canine traction without additional root resorption of adjacent teeth and facilitated progression to the next phase of orthodontic treatment.