A newly published study has examined failure rates and risk factors associated with orthodontic-surgical treatment for impacted canines, providing important insights for clinicians and patients.
The research, conducted at the Postgraduate Clinic of the Department of Orthodontics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, retrospectively analysed panoramic radiographs and clinical records from 84 patients with a total of 106 impacted maxillary and mandibular canines.
What the researchers found
The overall treatment failure rate was 11.3 percent.
Age emerged as the only consistent and statistically significant risk factor for both treatment failure and the need for surgical reintervention. Older patients were more likely to experience unsuccessful outcomes or require further surgery.
When looking at treatment duration, increased angulation of the impacted tooth, closer proximity to the midline, and the use of a closed surgical exposure technique were associated with longer treatment times.
Why this matters
Impacted canines are a common orthodontic challenge and often require a combination of surgical exposure and orthodontic traction to guide the tooth into position. Understanding which factors increase the risk of failure or prolonged treatment can help clinicians better plan care, counsel patients and potentially intervene earlier.
The findings suggest that early diagnosis and timely management may play a key role in improving outcomes, particularly given the influence of patient age on success rates.
