[The closed eruption technique in cases of impaction of permanent maxillary canines]

The impaction of permanent maxillary canines occurs frequently. In recent decades, research has led to 2 methods of treatment: the modified window technique and the closed eruption technique. Although these methods have been described in detail, it is still not clear which method is most effective. In a study involving 73 orthodontic patients with an impacted, palatally displaced permanent maxillary canine, this cuspid was exposed by means of a gingival flap and an orthodontic bracket was immediately fixed on the exposed canine, after which the gingival flap was repositioned using sutures. The patients were clinically and radiographically examined 3 months after the orthodontic treatment. In a control group consisting of 93 orthodontic patients, there were no cases of impacted permanent maxillary cuspids. The overall success rate for the treatment in the study group was 63%. Problems in adjacent teeth were correlated significantly with older age among the patients. There was a significant difference in the number of pockets around the teeth adjacent to the canines in the study group and in the control group.