Positional variations of the maxillary cuspid are frequently encountered in dental practice. In such cases, because of its devious path to reach its position in the arch, it often gets impacted and becomes difficult to bring into occlusion. Both the orthodontist and surgeon should aim at early diagnose, schedule a plan, surgically expose the cuspid and use all acceptable orthodontic mechanics to bring it into occlusion. Sixty-six cases of uncrupted maxillary canines were treated by two different surgical exposures and methods (window and open-closed flap techniques) and were orthodontically moved into occlusion. The etiology, diagnosis and evaluation of the impaction, as well as the possible orthomechanics used to arrange the canine's position, need a clear understanding to plan a final treatment. The findings of this study showed that buccally-impacted canines are more common and to reach occlusion more quickly than palatally-impaeted canines. The axial inclination of the palatally impacted canines with the Frankfort horizontal plane has a direct effect upon the rapidity of treatment. The window surgical technique was found to be more convenient to the surgeon, orthodontist and patient.

Saudi Dental Journal 1997;9(2):90-98.