At Explore Orthodontics, we believe every tooth plays a vital role in your child’s smile. However, sometimes a tooth gets “stuck” beneath the gum line and fails to erupt properly. This is known as an impacted tooth. While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, the upper canines (the “eye teeth”) are the second most common.
Because canine teeth are crucial for a proper bite and a balanced facial appearance, treating them early is essential. Our Santa Maria orthodontist specializes in detecting and correcting impacted canines to ensure your child’s smile develops beautifully.
Why Are Canine Teeth So Important?
Your canines are the strong, pointed teeth located at the corners of your mouth. They often have the longest roots of any tooth and are key to:
- Guiding the Bite: They help the jaw move properly side-to-side.
- Facial Aesthetics: They support the corners of the mouth and lips.
- Dental Health: They are the “cornerstones” of the dental arch.
If these teeth remain impacted, they can cause damage to the roots of neighboring teeth, leave gaps in the smile, or even lead to cysts.
Early Detection is Key
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven. This early screening allows us to monitor the eruption of teeth and spot potential problems before they become serious.
In many cases, we can identify potential impactions simply by counting the teeth and taking panoramic X-rays. If we notice that the canines are not coming in as expected, usually around age 12 or 13, we can create a plan to help them emerge properly.
How We Treat Impacted Canines
Treating an impacted canine is a team effort between your orthodontist and an oral surgeon. The goal is to gently guide the tooth into its correct position in the dental arch.
Exposure and Bonding
The most common treatment involves a simple surgical procedure to expose the hidden tooth. An oral surgeon lifts the gum tissue over the impacted tooth to reveal it.
Once exposed, a small orthodontic bracket is bonded to the tooth. A tiny gold chain is attached to this bracket and connected to your child’s braces wire.
Guiding the Tooth
Over the next few months, we use gentle tension on the chain to slowly pull the impacted tooth down into its proper place. This process is carefully controlled to ensure the health of the gum and surrounding bone.
Why Choose Explore Orthodontics?
We understand that the thought of oral surgery can be worrisome for parents and children alike. That’s why we take a compassionate, family-focused approach to care. We work with the best oral surgeons in Santa Maria to ensure your child receives safe, comfortable, and effective treatment.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation Today
Don’t leave your child’s dental development to chance. If you suspect an issue with their teeth or if it’s time for a routine orthodontic check-up, our team at Explore Orthodontics is here to help. Schedule an evaluation today and give your child the best chance for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.