Impacted Canines: A Hidden Problem with a Visible Solution at Foxxi

The foundation of a confident smile is healthy, well-aligned teeth. But what happens when an important tooth, such as a canine, is unable to move into its proper place? Impacted canines, meaning canines that fail to erupt and remain trapped, are a relatively common dental anomaly. The good news is that, thanks to modern dentistry, this problem also has an effective and gentle solution. At the Foxxi clinic, we use the most advanced, scientifically supported procedures to help you achieve a radiant smile!

Why the canine in particular? The causes of impaction

Canines play a key role in chewing, speech formation and the aesthetics of the smile. They are usually the last of the permanent teeth to emerge, at around 11 to 13 years of age. It is precisely this late arrival that can cause problems: sometimes there is simply not enough room left for them in the dental arch.

The scientifically established causes behind impacted canines:

• Lack of space and crowding: A discrepancy between the size of the dental arch and the size of the teeth is one of the most common causes.

• Genetic factors: Research confirms that the predisposition can be inherited. It is often associated with other dental anomalies, such as missing or peg-shaped (undersized) lateral incisors.

• A “stubborn” baby tooth: If the root of the baby canine does not resorb in time, it can block the eruption of the permanent tooth.

• Developmental anomalies: In rarer cases, an improper position of the tooth germ, supernumerary teeth or cysts can also cause the problem.

The telltale signs and possible complications of an impacted canine

Often an impacted canine causes no pain and can go unnoticed for a long time. However, there are signs that may raise suspicion, and early detection is important to avoid more serious complications.

Warning signs:

• The permanent canine has not erupted even by 13 to 14 years of age.

• The canine has already erupted on one side, but not yet on the other.

• The baby canine stays in place well beyond its normal time of loss.

• A bump can be felt on the gum, on either the palatal or the lip side.

Possible complications if left untreated:

• Root resorption: The most common and most serious complication, when the impacted tooth presses against the roots of the neighbouring incisors, which can lead to their resorption and loss.

• Cyst formation: A fluid-filled cyst can develop from the epithelial sac surrounding the tooth.

• Shortening of the dental arch: The neighbouring teeth can tip into the gap, causing further crowding.

Modern, evidence-based solutions at the Foxxi clinic

Treating an impacted canine is a precisely planned process that combines several specialties (orthodontics and oral surgery). The success of the treatment largely depends on early diagnosis, the position of the tooth and the age of the patient.

1. Creating space: The first and most important step is to make room in the dental arch. This is most often achieved with a modern orthodontic appliance.

2. Surgical exposure: Once enough space is available, a minor oral surgery procedure exposes the unerupted tooth. This is a routine procedure performed under local anaesthesia.

3. Guided tooth movement (orthodontic traction): A small “button” (bracket) is bonded to the exposed tooth, and a thin chain or elastic is attached to it. By connecting this chain to the orthodontic appliance, gentle, continuous forces slowly move the canine into its correct position. This process requires patience, but the end result is a set of teeth that is both functionally and aesthetically perfect.

Don’t delay the solution!

An impacted canine that is recognised and treated in time, at around 10 to 11 years of age, can prevent more serious problems and more complex procedures later on.[8] At Foxxi’s modern, patient-friendly clinic, we are committed to providing the highest level of care. Our expert team will create a personalised treatment plan for you, using the most advanced diagnostic (e.g. CBCT) and therapeutic tools.

This article was prepared by the FOXXI Buda Orthodontics team, reviewed by Dr. Magyar Dominika Ph.D., orthodontic specialist

Scientific sources used:

• Ceraulo, S., et al. (2025). “Treatment Options in Impacted Maxillary Canines: A Literature Review.” Dentistry Journal, 13(9), 433.
• Uribe, F., & Nanda, R. (2003). “Surgical and orthodontic management of impacted maxillary canines.” American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 124(5), 578-581.
• Kapadia, H., et al. (2022). “Treatment for critically impacted maxillary canines: Clinical versus scientific evidence – A systematic review.” Orthodontic Waves, 81(3), 125-136.
• Al-Zoubi, H., et al. (2017). “Orthodontic Treatment Strategies for Impacted Canines: A Comprehensive Review.” Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 41(3), 169-176.
• Manne, R., et al. (2012). “Impacted canines: Etiology, diagnosis, and orthodontic management.” Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 4(Suppl 2), S234–S238.
• Gyulai-Gaál, Sz., et al. (2007). “A felső szemfog retenció etiológiája és diagnosztikája.” Fogorvosi Szemle, 100(3), 115-119.
• Shafer, W. G., Hine, M. K., & Levy, B. M. (1983). A Textbook of Oral Pathology (4th ed.). W.B. Saunders.