Glass-ionomer open exposure (GOPEX) versus closed exposure of palatally impacted canines: a retrospective study of treatment outcome and orthodontists' preferences.

Objectives: To investigate which surgical technique orthodontists prefer for exposing palatally impacted canines (PICs), and to compare closed exposure and glass-ionomer open exposure (GOPEX) with regard to pre- and post-surgical orthodontic variables.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire with 19 questions and three cases visualising superficial, deep, or medial PICs was sent to 48 orthodontists working in a Swedish county. Sixty case records for patients with unilateral PICs from two centres were analysed; 30 patients having GOPEX (Centre A), and 30 undergoing closed exposure (Centre B).