Orthodontics. Part 10: Impacted teeth.

This section deals with the important issue of impacted teeth. Impacted canines in Class I uncrowded cases can be improved by removal of the deciduous canines. There is some evidence that this is true for both buccal and palatal impactions. Treatment of impacted canines is lengthy and potentially hazardous. Interceptive measures are effective and preferred to active treatment. Supernumerary teeth may also cause impaction of permanent incisors, their early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential to optimise final outcomes. If there are any doubts about impacted teeth it is better to refer too early than too late, this latter option may unnecessarily extend the length of treatment as well as the treatment required.