Canine teeth are important to your bite and your smile. The sharp, pointed teeth on either side of your front teeth tear food and help you speak clearly. For most people, canine teeth, also known as cuspids or eyeteeth, come in normally during the pre-teen years. However, some people’s canines get stuck and don’t erupt on their own.
Fortunately, modern dentistry and orthodontics devised a method to pull the canines into place. This process, known as exposure and bonding, can help children with impacted canines. Read on to learn more about the process and how it can help.
Is Exposure and Bonding Treatment the Only Option?
The entire process starts with braces to correct spacing issues. Sometimes, moving the teeth to create space allows the canine to erupt. In these cases, your child would simply complete the orthodontic treatment. However, if the tooth still doesn’t erupt, further intervention would be necessary.
How Does the Expose and Bond Procedure Work?
The expose and bond process takes teamwork between your child’s dentist, an oral surgeon, and an orthodontist. Once your child’s mouth has space for the canine to come in and the tooth still fails to erupt, an oral surgeon performs a minor surgery.
This surgery involves cutting through the gum to expose the tooth and apply a special orthodontic exposure bracket to the impacted tooth. This bracket looks similar to the other braces brackets, but it accommodates a small gold chain. The impacted tooth gold chain also connects to the braces wire.
The gold chain attached to the bracket and braces guides the impacted tooth into the open space. Rubber bands may also assist in encouraging the eruption.
Have more questions about the procedure? Schedule an appointment today to speak to one of our talented providers.
Exposure and Bonding Before and After
How Long is the Tooth Exposure Recovery Process?
It’s important to note that while impacted tooth exposure surgery is minor, it does require careful attention to the post-operative care. Monitor the area for unusual swelling or signs of infection, but it should heal rather quickly, usually within ten to fourteen days. Your child will likely need to follow-up with their dentist or orthodontist in ten days to check the progress.
Does Impacted Tooth Exposure Surgery Hurt?
The oral surgeon uses local anesthesia but may also use sedation depending on the situation. As the local anesthesia wears off, there could be discomfort, but it could be managed with over the counter pain medication. Your child may also experience some bruising and swelling in the area for a few days after surgery.
How Long Does it Take to Pull a Tooth Down with a Teeth Chain and Braces?
It varies by case, but you can expect the process to take several months. Though it may come in faster, the general timeline is six to twelve months.
How Do I Know if My Child Has Impacted Canines?
When baby teeth interfere with canine eruption or in cases of overcrowding, kids’ teeth may lose their normal pathway and get stuck. Looking at your child’s mouth, you may be able to see signs of crowding or teeth breaking through, but you probably won’t notice what’s going on beneath the gums.
That’s why it’s important for your child to see a dentist regularly as they lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth. Your child’s dentist can monitor progress and may make suggestions about treatment, like exposure and bonding of the tooth.
If your child is due for a dental check-up or you have concerns about their teeth, find the office nearest you and book your appointment today.
The Importance of Early Detection:
Detecting impacted canines early is super important because it helps resolve possible complications quickly. Regular dental check-ups are key in spotting dental problems like impacted canines before they get worse. When dentists and orthodontists catch these issues early on, they can create a personalized treatment plan that boosts the chances of success and lowers the risk of complications.
The Role of Genetics in Impacted Canines
Sometimes, genetics can have a hand in causing impacted canines. It means that certain people may be more prone to this dental problem due to their family history. If someone in your family has had impacted canines or other dental abnormalities, there’s a greater chance that you or your child could face similar issues. While not every case of impacted canines can be traced back to genetics, it’s important to let your dentist know about any relevant family history. This way, they can provide the right care and take preventive measures to keep your teeth in the best shape possible.
Potential Complications of Untreated Impacted Canines
Neglecting impacted canines can have serious consequences for your oral health. Ignoring them can result in a range of complications that you definitely want to avoid. An impacted tooth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to damage over time. Additionally, the presence of impacted teeth creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of gum infections. Moreover, there is a potential for cyst formation in the jawbone, which can cause discomfort and further complications. Correcting these issues can be quite challenging and may necessitate invasive procedures if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial to address impacted canines promptly to prevent the occurrence of these complications.
Alternative Treatment Options
When dealing with impacted canines, exposure and bonding are common and effective treatment methods. However, there are situations where alternative options may be considered. For instance, if the tooth is severely impacted or unlikely to erupt properly, extraction followed by orthodontic treatment could be an option. Another alternative involves the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to provide additional support and stability during the tooth movement process. It is crucial to consult with your dental team to discuss all the available treatment options that are suitable for your child’s specific case. By exploring these options, you can determine the best approach to help align those canines and achieve optimal results.
Caring for Teeth After Exposure and Bonding Procedure:
After undergoing the exposure and bonding procedure for impacted canines, it is essential to properly care for them to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some practical tips to maintain their well-being.
First and foremost, brushing and flossing diligently is crucial. Pay special attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires to remove any food particles or plaque buildup. For hard-to-reach areas, consider using a water flosser to ensure thorough cleaning.
To protect these dental appliances, avoid consuming sticky or hard foods that could potentially damage them. Being mindful of the types of foods you eat can help prevent complications and maintain the effectiveness of the treatment.
Additionally, it is vital to follow the guidance of your orthodontist. Attend all scheduled check-ups to allow your orthodontist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. They may also provide specific instructions to modify your child’s oral care routine as needed, so be sure to adhere to their recommendations.
By following these tips and staying committed to your oral care routine, you can contribute to the success of the treatment and achieve the desired outcome for your child’s impacted canines.
