[Missing maxillary: comprehensive orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment canines with endosseous implants]

Impacted maxillary canines are a serious problem in orthodontics and prosthodontics. The incidence of impaction has been reported at 3.3% of the general population and is more common among women. Impaction of canines can be unilateral or bilateral, palatal or labial. The causes of this pathology are varied. Irrespective of the cause of impaction, missing canines represent first and foremost an esthetic problem. The aim of this study was to analyze the possibilities of reconstructing missing permanent maxillary canines in a given clinical situation.

We present the case of a young female with bilateral impaction of permanent and retention of deciduous maxillary canines. A detailed orthodontic investigation ruled out the possibility of forced eruption of impacted canines. Consequently, surgical extraction of impacted canines and prosthetic replacement of missing teeth using endosseous implants were done.

The immediate functional and esthetic result in the patient was very good. As prosthetic crowns were cemented to the implants on the day of implantation, soft tissues received support without risk of contour change. The procedure ensured comfort for the patient without the need of wearing removable partial dentures.

1. Missing permanent canines represent a significant esthetic defect of dentition. 2. Surgical extraction and reconstructive treatment is an option when forced eruption of impacted canines proves impossible. 3. Close cooperation between the orthodontist and implant prosthodontist is necessary for a satisfactory esthetic result.