Where is the upper canine?
This tooth can (usually) be found high up in the mouth to the side of the nose.
What is a canine in the palate?
Occasionally the upper canine may fail to grow into its correct place in the mouth, and can often end up in the mouths palate, positioned behind the front teeth.
Why does this occur?
The upper canine will form high up just under the eye and as it grows down it can sometimes lose its way and thus end up behind the front teeth.
Will this mis-grown canine need to be removed?
This canine will only need to be removed if it has been deemed to be way off the position it should be or if it is going to damage any other teeth.
How will the canine be treated?
If the tooth is not yet exposed it will need to be uncovered (usually carried out at the hospital). When the tooth is exposed it can often be brought back into its correct position with a fixed train-track brace (sometimes taking up to two years!).
Will I need to wear a retainer afterwards?
After the fixed brace treatment has been completed and removed, a retainer will be made for the patient to wear at night.
How long will I have to wear the retainer?
The patient will have to wear the retainer for a year after the fixed braces for a year, as without the retainer the canine would start to move a little bit back to its original, misplaced position.
Will there be any permanent damage?
During the moving of the teeth with the braces there won’t be any damage. But you must ensure that during treatment that you practice a healthy cleaning regime and minimise the amount of fizzy drinks you have during treatment as this can lead to permanent decay marks around the braces. Thorough brushing and fluoride mouthwash is of paramount importance during this process.
Is this treatment permanent or will I need future treatment as well?
Once the canine has been moved into its new (proper) position and stabilised (after retainers), the effects will be stable and there wont be any requirement for further treatment.
If you have any more questions you would like to ask, please contact us.
