No evidence to support one surgical technique over the other for the management of palatally displaced canines

Abstract

Data sources: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register were searched with no restrictions over publication status or language.

Study selection: Studies chosen were those where participants received surgical treatment to correct upper palatally impacted canines. There was no restriction for age, presenting malocclusion or the type of active orthodontic treatment undertaken. Unilateral and bilaterally displaced canines were included but trials with participants who had craniofacial deformity/ syndrome were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis: Two review authors independently and in duplicate assessed and selected studies. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were to be followed for data synthesis.

Results: No studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions: Currently, there is no evidence to support one surgical technique over the other in terms of dental health, aesthetics, economics and patient factors. Until high quality clinical trials are conducted with participants randomly allocated into the two treatment groups, methods of exposing canines will be left to the personal choice of the surgeon and orthodontist.