Incline capping with a dental composite to correct base-narrow lower canines.
Lingually displaced mandibular canine teeth or base narrow malocclusion is a relatively common condition in canine patients. The common causes for this condition are:
- Persistent deciduous teeth
- Class 2 malocclusion or “overbite”
- Narrow mandible or tooth eruption
If diagnosed early we can use the eruptive forces of the tooth to guide it into the proper position. As in this case the mandibular canine was only partially erupted at therapy. These patients will be radiographed to assess the mandibular canine teeth and to rule out retained deciduous roots.
Incline capping therapy is a more simple and less expensive option than an acrylic incline plane or crown reduction therapy. A composite resin is incrementally applied to both canine teeth to create a tooth extension. The extension is countered in such a way to allow the tooth to move to a predetermined location. The tooth will then erupt into the proper position over the next 3-6 weeks.
The composite material is removed 4-6 weeks later under a second anesthetic. The tooth will “self retain” now that it is located in the proper position.
Note: Although dogs rarely complain of a base narrow condition and palatal contact (blue arrow). Pet owners routinely report a dramatic change in the pet’s disposition once therapy is instituted. This same procedure can be performed for base narrow deciduous teeth. |
