Palatally ectopic canines: closed eruption versus open eruption

Abstract

This paper reviews the available evidence supporting 2 commonly used methods of surgically exposing palatally ectopic canines. The closed eruption method (a bonded attachment is placed at operation and the palatal flap is sutured back intact) is compared with the open eruption method (a window of palatal mucosa is excised and the canine allowed to erupt naturally). The choice of surgical technique is reviewed in terms of the long-term periodontal implications, the rate of repeat surgery, and treatment time.