Canine In the Palate

The upper canine tooth develops towards the top of the mouth by the side of your nose, but it can sometimes grow in an incorrect part of the mouth. If this happens it may grow at the rear of your front teeth.

Why would this happen?

The upper canine develops as high up as the eye and can sometimes get lost on the way down, as it forms. If the tooth is far from where it should be, or it is harming any other teeth, it may need to be removed.

What does the treatment involve?

The tooth will need to be ‘uncovered’. In most cases, this process involves a hospital appointment to expose the tooth, after which a fixed brace will be fitted to align the teeth. This is a complicated process and can take as long as two years to complete.

Will a retainer be needed?

After the fixed brace has been removed a retainer will need to be created according to the patient’s alignment and worn every night.

How long does the retainer need to be worn for?

In most cases, the retainer should be worn every night for one year. If it is not worn then there is the risk that the canine will relapse and move back into its old position.

Will the treatment cause any damage?

Moving the tooth will not cause any damage, although there is a danger of decay marks forming around the edge of the fixed brace. This can happen as a result of insufficient cleaning or excessive consumption of sugary drinks. It is absolutely vital to brush your teeth every day when wearing braces to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.