Impacted Canines
An impacted canine is a tooth that is blocked or “stuck” beneath the gum line and does not naturally erupt into its proper position. While any tooth can become impacted, canines — especially the upper canine teeth located at the corners of the dental arch — are among the most common. These powerful “corner teeth” are designed to hold, grasp, and guide your bite, but because they have long roots and erupt later in childhood, they can sometimes run out of space or get positioned incorrectly.
How Impacted Canines Are Treated
If a canine tooth fails to erupt on its own, a simple surgical exposure procedure may be recommended. This involves gently lifting a small flap of gum tissue so the tooth can be reached. Once exposed, we may:
Leave the Tooth to Erupt Naturally
In some cases, the tooth can emerge on its own once the obstacle is removed.
Guide the Tooth with Orthodontics
Often an orthodontic bracket and small guiding chain are attached to the exposed tooth. This allows your orthodontist to use gentle, controlled force to guide the tooth into its ideal position within the dental arch.
This combination of surgical and orthodontic care gives impacted canines the best chance of erupting in the right place for a healthy, functional smile.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age seven so that tooth eruption can be monitored and potential issues like impactions can be detected early. Early assessment increases the chances that we can guide impacted teeth into the correct position before they cause crowding, root pressure, or bite problems.
Benefits of Treating Impacted Canines
Preserves natural teeth and avoids unnecessary extractions
Prevents damage to adjacent teeth and roots
Improves bite alignment and long-term oral health
Supports optimal aesthetics and smile balance
With early detection and a coordinated treatment plan, impacted canines can be successfully brought into proper alignment — often without needing more invasive surgery.
Restore Function, Balance & Confidence
At SmileCrew Orthodontics, our experienced team works closely with expert oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan and deliver coordinated treatment. From initial evaluation and surgical preparation to recovery and finishing orthodontics, we guide you through each step with care, comfort, and precision.
What Our Patients Say
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“I appreciated the payment plan choices and the friendly staff who walked me through each cost detail. My smile looks fantastic, and I felt confident every step of the way.”
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“My son had crowded teeth and was worried about braces. SmileCrew guided us through every step, and now his smile is beautifully aligned. Couldn’t be happier!”
“From evaluation to treatment, SmileCrew made everything easy to understand. My crossbite was corrected and my teeth feel more comfortable than ever!
“I was nervous about early intervention, but SmileCrew made it stress-free. The appliances were easy for her to manage, and the results speak for themselves. Highly recommend for any parent considering early orthodontic care.”
Choosing surgical orthodontics was a big decision, but SmileCrew made it an easy one. The results are amazing — my jaw feels aligned, my bite functions better than ever, and I don’t hide my smile anymore. I’m so grateful for the attentive care and encouragement I received!
“I never thought I’d find an orthodontic team that cared so much about how I felt throughout treatment. The surgical orthodontics process was explained clearly, I always felt supported, and the results speak for themselves. I can eat comfortably, my bite feels perfect, and I finally love my smile.
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“SmileCrew made my orthodontic journey so smooth! The team is incredibly professional and caring. I’m thrilled with my new smile!”