3D Imaging Helps Treat Impacted Canine Teeth at Burke & Redford Orthodontists

Burke & Redford Orthodontists, based in Temecula, California, share how the use of Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has been helping them treat impacted canine teeth. An impacted tooth is one that has been prevented from erupting through the gum tissue or reaching its normal position in the mouth next to bone, tissue, or another tooth. The teeth that most frequently become impacted are the wisdom teeth or canines. Impacted wisdom teeth are usually removed, while impacted canine teeth are usually adjusted to place them into the proper position, which is done by an experienced orthodontist.

Burke & Redford Orthodontists are assisted with their treatment of impacted canine teeth by using dental CBCT technology, specifically the Planmeca ProMax 3D Imaging machine. This technology has the primary advantage of providing much more detailed imagining information than older x-ray technology. The Planmeca ProMax 3D utilizes an x-ray beam in the form of a cone. This cone-shaped beam is moved around a patient’s head and mouth area, resulting in several high-quality images, which provides the orthodontists with an extremely detailed visual of the area being treated. In just one scan, the doctors get a 3D image of the teeth, surrounding jaw bones, nerve pathways, and soft tissues.

Dr. Ryan Redford of Burke & Redford Orthodontists explains, “This 3D treatment planning has several advantages over conventional 2D x-ray images, which when used previously often produced distorted images with magnification errors. With Planmeca orthodontic 3D imaging, the images are totally accurate and without distortion. When it comes to imaging science and technology, moving from 2D x-rays to 3D x-rays was like going from analog to digital.”

Impacted canines are particularly problematic because they are often asymptomatic. Early screening with an orthodontist, around 7 or 8 years old and even before all baby teeth have shed, can help detect canines that are or may become impacted so conservative measures can be taken to avoid bigger problems later. This is important as typical symptoms associated with dental problems (pain, swelling, bleeding) are usually not associated with impacted canines.

Impacted canines need to be treated right away since they could lead to other problems. Potential problems include: the impacted tooth exerting pressure on nearby permanent tooth roots and damaging their structure; cyst development around the impaction that can push other teeth out of position; a loss of space in the area if the associated baby canine has already fallen out but the adult canine is still impacted under the gums; and fusion of the impacted tooth with the surrounding bone, leaving no alternative but extraction.

The Planmeca ProMax 3D imaging technology offers advanced features that produce high-quality 3D images and fast scans, in a painless and non-invasive process. This technology allows the orthodontist to localize the exact position of an impacted tooth and determine if it has caused damage or presents risk to nearby permanent tooth roots.

There are several treatment options for impacted canine teeth, depending on the severity of the impaction and stage of tooth development. If overcrowding is present, treatment will typically involve creating additional space for the impacted tooth. This may necessitate extracting baby teeth or adult teeth that are blocking the canine. Alternatively, expander appliances or braces may be used to provide the required space. If a canine impaction is compromising the health of nearby teeth, a procedure where an attachment is bonded to the impacted canine to move it safely into place may need to be performed.

Burke & Redford Orthodontists use self-ligating braces systems in their practice. One of these systems is the Damon braces system. Self-ligating braces have the presence of a door mechanism within each bracket to lightly secure the wire in place. This precludes the need for placing metal or elastic ties around each bracket, as found in traditional braces. Self-ligating braces use lightweight, shape-memory, high-technology wires to move the teeth at a gentle, even, and continuous pace. This means fewer visits to the orthodontist office. Opening and closing the door mechanism is easy and fast, which makes for a more efficient and comfortable adjustment experience than with traditional braces. Finally, these self-ligating braces are available in either metal or clear versions. Clear braces are often preferred by adults and older teens because of the improved cosmetic appearance. There is no difference between metal and clear versions in terms of treatment time or quality of result.

Burke & Redford Orthodontists have served the Inland Empire residents in Riverside County with offices located in Temecula and Lake Elsinore for over 30 years. Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke, the top orthodontists in the area, are both board certified specialists with the American Board of Orthodontics. The doctors use advanced orthodontic technology like the Planmeca 3D Panoramic Imaging to provide their patients with the highest quality of care. They also use the best self-ligating braces, in both clear and metal versions, as well as Invisalign clear aligners. Most patient looking for braces online will search for invisible braces, which could be Invisalign, clear ceramic braces or Damon clear braces. Quality, high-end patient care and comfort are at the forefront of this well-established practice.