The effect of two alternative methods of canine exposure upon subsequent duration of orthodontic treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness, in terms of orthodontic treatment duration, of two methods of canine exposure.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study using patients' records and lateral cephalometric radiographs.


METHODS
50 patients were selected, 25 in each group. In all subjects the impaction was categorized as being 'intermediate'. The methods of canine exposure were: (i) simple surgical exposure; (ii) surgical exposure and placement of an orthodontic attachment, followed by flap replacement.


RESULTS
The treatment duration until the canine was in the line of the arch was 17.7 months in the simple exposure group and 19.3 months in the bonded attachment group. The mean treatment duration (from exposure to debond) was 28.8 months for both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In terms of treatment duration, no significant difference could be demonstrated between the two methods of surgical exposure to palatally impacted canines.
Iramaneerat
S
S
Department of Orthodontics, Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.
Cunningham
S J
SJ
Horrocks
E N
EN
D000293:Adolescent; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003481:Cuspid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008437:Maxilla; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014079:Tooth Eruption, Ectopic / Q000601:surgery*; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*