Screening for the risk of canine impaction, what are the presumptive signs and how does it affect orthodontics? A cross-sectional study in France.

Purpose: The treatment of impacted canines is a challenge for orthodontists. The availability of suggestive clinical signs has become crucial for treatment before the potential for evolution ceases. The main objective was to evaluate the prevalence of the suspected displaced canine (SDC) and to highlight factors easily identifiable from the oral examination.

Methods: SDC was assessed on panoramic X-rays, on the basis of the angle with the median sagittal plane and the degree of overlap with the permanent lateral incisor. Its association with mesio-distal tooth and palate widths was assessed by univariate analysis. Next, the association of SDC with temporary tooth extraction, expansion and/or premolar extraction was considered using the same modality.

Results: In this retrospective study, the records of 292 patients aged 7 to 13 years were reviewed. SDC was detected in 39% of patients i.e., 28,8% of observed canines. Reduced coronal mesio-distal diameters of permanent maxillary central incisors, 8.7 ± 0.6 mm versus 8.8 ± 0.7 mm (p < .05), and first permanent molars, 10.0 ± 0.7 mm versus 10.2 ± 0.7 mm (p < .001), as well as reduced inter-molar width, 38.7 ± 2.7 mm versus 39.4 ± 2.9 mm (p < .01), were predictive factors. SDC led orthodontists to indicate extraction of maxillary primary canines, OR = 3,32 (p < .001) or even extraction of premolars, OR = 1,66 (p < .05).

Conclusion: This study confirmed the interest of panoramic X-rays in detected canines at risk of SDC. Dental factors can be combined to make screening more reliable and predict impaction that makes orthodontics complex.

Trial Registration Number: Opinion n°21.131, dated 09.21.2021, retrospectively registered.