Unveiling the impacted canine – Eyelet chain guide: Concepts and clinical application

Abstract

Impaction of canine is frequently encountered clinical problem in orthodontics. Canine usually erupts when two third of the root development is complete. It is considered as impacted if the root development is completed, but unaided eruption is not expected to occur. Surgical exposure of impacted canine and orthodontic traction to align the tooth is a major challenge in which the management requires a multidisciplinary approach. This article presents a case of impacted canine in a 20-year-old female patient. Impacted canine was aligned by orthodontic traction using a modified eyelet attachment and guided eruption without repeated surgical intervention or tissue damage. In the clinical case discussed, the bonding attachment used was a low-profile Begg bracket containing multiple eyelets for varying the force of traction and also to apply force along the long axis of the tooth. An ideal traction force was applied for the adequate period of time thus minimizing the side effects. This method proved to be efficient in maintaining good periodontal and mucogingival health and thus satisfying both esthetic and function goals.

Keywords

• bonded attachment
• eyelet chain
• impacted canine
• orthodontic traction