Unconventional use of Invisalign® in the treatment of ectopic palatal maxillary canines

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The proper development of the dental arches, including the eruption and correct positioning of the canines in the arch, is essential for the oral health of growing patients. Impacted canines not only give rise to functional challenges but also pose esthetic issues for patients. The aim of this article is to show if it is possible to benefit from the exclusive use of transparent aligners to guide the eruption of ectopic upper canines into the arch in the correct position. CASE REPORT: The subject of the study is the clinical case of a 13-year-old female growing patient who presented displaced upper permanent canines located in the palatal ectopic site. Following the surgical extraction of the retained deciduous elements, treatment with aligners for repositioning the ectopic canines in the arch was performed in two phases. At the end of the treatment, a Class I canine was achieved with satisfactory repositioning of the upper canines in the arch. CONCLUSION: The use of transparent aligners makes it possible, with some procedural precautions and in carefully selected cases, to reposition the ectopic palatal canines in the dental arch using a treatment that is both esthetic and effective.