Traction of impacted/impacted canines: literature review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to carry out a literature review to understand the importance of orthodontic traction of impacted canines and its relationship with adjacent teeth. The design chosen was a narrative literature review. The search for articles was performed digitally, in the Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Google Scholar databases, using the following descriptors: impacted teeth; canines included; traction of impacted teeth; orthodontics. Publications related to the objectives listed in this research, articles in Portuguese or English, published in the last 10 years, available in full text were included. Duplicate articles were excluded. Removal of deciduous teeth with prolonged retention was the main conduct reported among the measures to minimize the occurrence and therefore, establish the ideal conduct for the prevention measures. As long as it was feasible, orthodontic traction by means of surgical exposure, with acid etching and bonding a bracket/orthodontic accessory was the most recurrent treatment among the authors surveyed for control, reduction and resolution of impaction. According to the reviewed literature, it was possible to conclude that impacted canine teeth require a thorough anamnesis, combined with a complete clinical and radiographic examination of the structures of interest prior to orthodontic treatment. Regarding the procedures indicated to treat impacted teeth, the multidisciplinary approach was the most indicated.