Influence of the maxillary dimensions and lateral incisor anatomy on the palatal impaction of maxillary permanent canines: A three-dimensional case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of impacted upper permanent canines (IUPC) is a relatively common clinical finding. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the upper permanent canines palatal impaction, lateral incisors morphology and the maxilla bone base. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cone-beam tomography files from 62 subjects were divided into 2 groups: impaction group (ICG/n=31; mean age 14.3±2.4) with 45 canines impacted on the palatal side and age- and sex-matched control group (CG/n=31; mean age 14.3±2.3), with 62 normally erupted canines. Linear and volumetric measurements of the lateral incisors, linear transversal measures and the maxillary anterior perimeter were taken. Independent Student's t-test was used for intergroup analysis with correction of Bonferroni. RESULTS: Significant differences were found for crown length and root diameter (buccal-palatal) (P<0.005). The maxillary anterior perimeter in the ICG was reduced in relation to the GC but not significantly (P=0.008). The transverse skeletal variables of the maxilla were equivalent in the intergroup comparison (P>0.005). CONCLUSION: Smaller dimensions in the crown length and in the upper permanent lateral incisors root buccal-palatal diameter were associated with the impaction of upper permanent canines on the palatal side. The maxillary transverse morphology did not show any association with the occurrence of this condition.