Orthodontic management of a horizontally impacted maxillary incisor in an adolescent patient

Abstract

Horizontal maxillary incisor impaction is not common, but it affects facial esthetics, phonetics, and the patient's self-esteem. Therefore, it is necessary to manage this problem as early as possible. This case report presents a patient with an unerupted maxillary left central incisor combined with anterior and left posterior crossbite, edge-to-edge overbite on the right and left anterior open bite, low smile line, and mild skeletal Class III discrepancy. The treatment consisted of 3 stages: (1) maxillary expansion and sufficient space creation for the impacted tooth; (2) surgical exposure by closed-eruption technique; and (3) induced eruption of impaction. The treatment outcome was highly favorable. Maxillary impaction erupted in the proper position with a normal clinical crown height and consonant gingival line with the adjacent teeth. Maxillary and mandibular teeth had normal and stable occlusion. The 3-year follow-up demonstrated an esthetically functional outcome after orthodontically induced tooth eruption. This treatment required a good treatment plan by the orthodontist to obtain satisfactory results.