Correction of ectopic eruption of permanent molars utilizing the brass wire technique.

Ectopic eruption of a first permanent molar is a common occurrence in the developing mixed dentition. Proper management is a challenge to the pediatric dentist and is crucial to a healthy occlusion. Non-treatment can result in early loss of the second primary molar, space loss, and impaction of second premolars. Future corrective treatment may be complicated, lengthy, and costly and include: the distalizing and uprighting of the permanent molar by use of headgear and fixed or removable appliances and subsequent long term space maintenance. The brass wire technique is a fairly simple procedure and can be used successfully in moderately and even severely impacted molar cases. This procedure is described in detail with step-by-step guidelines in this paper.