Clinical Guidelines for the Surgical/Orthodontic Management of Impacted Maxillary Central Incisors Based on a Decision Tree.

ABSTRACT

Maxillary central incisors are critical to occlusal function, smile esthetics, and even one's self-image. Furthermore, their impaction at an early age could have harmful psychological consequences on the individual. Maxillary central incisors can be impacted due to early dentoalveolar trauma to the upper anterior region that displaces the incisor in formation and, in rare instances, tooth germs are deformed. The aftermath of trauma during primary dentition is seen later during mixed dentition. Other causes are either an impediment in the eruption pathway of the maxillary central incisor due to the presence of odontomas or supernumerary teeth, an insufficient eruption space, or, very rarely, syndromic and/or other general medical conditions. Diagnosis is completed through a detailed medical/dental history, clinical evaluation, and appropriate imaging. Arch width increase, space opening, removal of obstructions if present, suitable soft-tissue management, well-designed orthodontic traction mechanics, and long-term periodontal follow-up are all essential elements in resolving cases of impacted maxillary central incisors.