Complete Guide, Patient Journey & Why Braces Work Best

If you or your child has a canine tooth that hasn’t come in properly, it may be an impacted canine. This is a common orthodontic condition that requires timely and planned treatment to avoid long-term dental problems.

At our dental clinic in Panipat, we frequently treat impacted canines using braces-based orthodontic treatment, which is considered the safest and most effective option.

 

What Is an Impacted Canine?

A canine tooth is called impacted when it remains stuck inside the jawbone or gums instead of erupting into its normal position in the mouth. Upper canines are the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.

Common causes include:

Lack of space in the jaw Late shedding of baby teeth Genetic factors Abnormal eruption path

Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment success.

Why Impacted Canines Need Treatment

If left untreated, impacted canines can lead to:

Damage to roots of nearby teeth Crowding and misalignment Gum and bone problems Facial asymmetry Bite issues

Treating the problem early helps preserve the natural tooth and maintain long-term oral health.

 

 

Patient Journey: Step-by-Step Treatment Process

1️⃣ Diagnosis & Digital Planning

Clinical examination X-rays and/or 3D CBCT scan Assessment of tooth position and available space

A personalised orthodontic plan is created.

2️⃣ Space Creation with Braces

Braces are used to:

Create adequate space Align adjacent teeth Prepare the mouth for guided eruption

This is a crucial step—without space, the canine cannot be brought into position safely.

3️⃣ Surgical Exposure (If Needed)

If the canine is deeply impacted:

A minor surgical procedure exposes the tooth An attachment is placed to help guide movement

This is usually painless and done under local anaesthesia.

4️⃣ Guided Eruption Using Braces

The impacted canine is slowly pulled into position Movement is gradual to protect bone and roots Regular follow-ups ensure controlled progress

5️⃣ Final Alignment & Retainers

Once aligned:

Braces fine-tune the bite Retainers maintain long-term stability

Treatment Time for Impacted Canines

Treatment duration depends on age and severity:

Case Type                          Approximate Time

Mild impaction                8–12 months

Moderate impaction      12–18 months

Complex cases                  18–24 months

Though treatment takes time, the results are stable and long-lasting.

 

Patient Journey: Step-by-Step Treatment Process

1️⃣ Diagnosis & Digital Planning

Clinical examination X-rays and/or 3D CBCT scan Assessment of tooth position and available space

A personalised orthodontic plan is created.

2️⃣ Space Creation with Braces

Braces are used to:

Create adequate space Align adjacent teeth Prepare the mouth for guided eruption

This is a crucial step—without space, the canine cannot be brought into position safely.

3️⃣ Surgical Exposure (If Needed)

If the canine is deeply impacted:

A minor surgical procedure exposes the tooth An attachment is placed to help guide movement

This is usually painless and done under local anaesthesia.

4️⃣ Guided Eruption Using Braces

The impacted canine is slowly pulled into position Movement is gradual to protect bone and roots Regular follow-ups ensure controlled progress

5️⃣ Final Alignment & Retainers

Once aligned:

Braces fine-tune the bite Retainers maintain long-term stability

Treatment Time for Impacted Canines

Treatment duration depends on age and severity:

Case Type                          Approximate Time

Mild impaction                8–12 months

Moderate impaction      12–18 months

Complex cases                  18–24 months

Though treatment takes time, the results are stable and long-lasting.