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Pre-Orthodontic Tooth Exposures

If a tooth is not coming in properly, most usually the canine teeth, by the ages of 12 or 13, then evaluation for surgical exposure of the teeth may be necessary to allow the Orthodontist to help in erupting the tooth or teeth into a normal position. Other teeth such as the incisors or premolars in the mouth can also be impacted (“stuck”), and may require evaluation and surgical exposure during orthodontic treatment.

The surgery is performed in office and once the tooth is surgically exposed an orthodontic bracket is bonded to the tooth with special cement.

Over several months, the orthodontist will use the bracket to gently pull the tooth into position. Remember, early recognition of abnormally impacted or unerupted teeth is important and is key to successful treatment.