Citrus

Orthodontic extrusion

It is not uncommon for patients to have impacted cuspids as seen in both the panoramic x-ray above and the photo on the Right. This can happen when the deciduous cuspids are lost too early and the space is closed by earlier developing permanent teeth, or just by chance. Some think it's even hereditary. The impacted teeth need to be exposed as they are in the photo on the right then extruded using a bracket that is glued to the exposed portion of the tooth then attached to the orthodontic wire or appliance to be brought into place using tension and direction. In most cases space is made for the teeth orthodonticly prior to exposure. The technique used here is similar to the famous physics chandelier problem. At what angle do we need to pull? Where should the bracket be placed? how much tension can we use with breaking the bond between the glue and the tooth? These are all physics considerations that are made by professionals everyday!