Orthodontically induced eruption of the permanent canine combined with alveolar cleft osteoplasty: a new procedure illustrated by a case with stereophotogrammetric reconstructions.

A new technique is suggested which will allow secondary bone grafting to be carried out at approximately 10 years of age when some potential of active tooth eruption and maxillary alveolar growth remains. Surgery is followed during the healing phase by orthodontic traction of the unerupted canine through the bone graft. This allows the reconstruction of the dental arch, while the bone graft is maintained by the osteogenic influence of the canine root. The technique is detailed and illustrated and a case report presented. A stereophotogrammetric reconstruction demonstrates the improvement in integumental contour following the technique described.