Orthodontic correction of a maxillary canine-first premolar transposition

Transposition is a form of ectopia, in which 2 adjacent teeth change positions in the dental arch or 1 tooth develops in a position occupied by a nonadjacent tooth. Transposition can be partial or complete. Despite their low prevalence in the general population, transpositions are a challenge to orthodontists, especially if treatment aims to correct the order of the teeth. This article reports the diagnosis, planning, and treatment of a unilateral maxillary canine-first premolar transposition in a female patient treated orthodontically without premolar extraction and with correction of the transposition. Treatment options, advantages and disadvantages of each method, and the mechanics used during the treatment are also discussed.