Transposition of maxillary canine to central incisor site: aetiology, treatment options and case report

Abstract

Dental transposition is relatively infrequent anomaly of the developing dentition. This article focuses on canine transposition and explores the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of this challenging anomaly. Specifically, the management of a case of canine transposition involving an unerupted maxillary central incisor is described.

Canine transposition as an alternative to trauma of the maxillary incisors: case report

“…In view of the above, it was decided to accept canine transposition 4 , 10 in a central position, since the direction of eruption was favorable. The anatomy of the canines offers a relative possibility for simulating a central incisor, since the mesiodistal width is more similar than that of a lateral incisor, in the same way as the vertical height and gingival margin.…”

“…As a third option after ectopic central incisor extraction, transposition of the maxillary left canine 10 into the left central incisor position by means of orthodontic traction was considered, followed by premolar transformation into canine, and canine into central incisor. This strategy would involve premolar extraction in the first, third and fourth quadrants, making the case symmetrical and stabilizing the midline with respect to the facial line.…”

Dental transpositions: An update for clinicians

“…Transpositions have a multifactorial aetiology with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role, 7,8 with the following factors all having been cited as having causative roles in transpositions: genetics, ectopic position of tooth bud, crowding, mechanical interference, early loss of deciduous tooth, over retention of deciduous teeth, trauma to deciduous teeth and cysts or local pathology. 2,5,[8][9][10][11] An increased incidence of transpositions has been reported in patients with other dental anomalies, which supports genetics having a role in the aetiology of transpositions. 2,3,7 Compared to the general population, a four-to ten-fold increase in transpositions has been reported in patients with hypodontia, illustrated in Figure 2, and an eight-to sixteen-fold increase in patients with peg-shaped lateral incisors.…”

“…Transpositions have a multifactorial aetiology with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role, 7,8 with the following factors all having been cited as having causative roles in transpositions: genetics, ectopic position of tooth bud, crowding, mechanical interference, early loss of deciduous tooth, over retention of deciduous teeth, trauma to deciduous teeth and cysts or local pathology. 2,5,8-11…”

“…Extraction of the transposed tooth with a view to replacement can be considered if the position of the transposed tooth is deemed as being detrimental to the overall occlusion or if it has a poor long-term prognosis. 11 If space closure is not feasible the patient can then consider restorative replacement of the extracted tooth.…”