Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the extraction of deciduous canines on palatally displaced canines (PDCs), to analyze the impact of the age of the patient on this interceptive treatment, and to assess the outcome of one-sided extraction of a maxillary primary canine on the midline of the maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 48 PDCs in 24 consecutive patients with bilateral PDCs. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 11.6 years (standard deviation 1.2 years). After randomization, one deciduous canine of each patient was assigned to extraction, and the contralateral side served as control. The patients were then followed at 6-month intervals for 18 months with panoramic and intraoral occlusal radiographs. RESULTS: The rates of successful eruption of the PDCs at extraction and control sites were 67% and 42%, respectively, at 18 months. The difference between the sites was statistically significant, and the effect was significantly more pronounced in the younger participants. A significant decrease in arch perimeter occurred at extraction sites compared to control sites during the observation period. No midline shift toward the extraction side was observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The extraction of the deciduous canine is an effective measure in PDC cases, but it must be done in younger patients in combination with early diagnosis, at the age of 10-11 years. Maintenance of the perimeter of the upper arch is an important step during the observation period, and a palatal arch as a space-holding device is recommended.