Impacted Canines Before Braces: Space, Exposure and Orthodontic Traction

Medical note: This page is general information. Only your dentist, orthodontist and relevant specialists can decide whether you need treatment before braces and in what order.

Orthodontist discussing a panoramic dental X-ray with an adult patient — Imaging helps determine the position of an impacted tooth and its relationship to neighboring roots before treatment is chosen.

What is an impacted canine?

An impacted tooth is blocked, following an abnormal eruption path or lacking enough room to emerge normally. Canines are especially important because they contribute to the bite and smile.

How is it diagnosed?

Clinical examination and appropriate imaging are used to locate the tooth, assess available space and evaluate nearby roots. The exact imaging depends on the case.

Sometimes the first step is creating space

If crowding is part of the problem, orthodontic appliances may first create enough room in the arch for the canine. That means “treatment before braces” and “braces before surgery” can overlap in this pathway.

Surgical exposure

For selected impacted canines, an oral surgeon exposes the tooth and an attachment is bonded to it. This does not instantly bring the tooth into the mouth; it creates access for the orthodontic phase.

Orthodontic traction

The orthodontist applies gentle controlled force over time to guide the canine toward its intended position. This can take months and may lengthen the overall orthodontic timeline.

Is every impacted canine brought into the arch?

No. Position, root development, damage to neighboring teeth, periodontal considerations and treatment complexity can affect whether the tooth is guided into place, monitored or removed.

Expect a longer treatment plan

Impacted teeth are one reason some orthodontic cases take longer than an uncomplicated alignment case. Ask your orthodontist how the impacted tooth changes the estimated timeline and risks.

Sources & further reading

American Association of Orthodontists — What is an Impacted Tooth? — Impacted canines may be monitored, given space orthodontically, or treated with surgical exposure and orthodontic traction.
Newcastle Hospitals — Orthodontic treatment FAQs — Teeth and gums must be healthy before brace treatment; impacted teeth and jaw surgery can lengthen treatment.

These sources support general information. The order and need for dental work before braces must be decided from an individual examination and treatment plan.