Canine transposition as an alternative to trauma of the maxillary incisors: case report

OBJECTIVE: The present article aims at reporting the clinical case of a patient who suffered trauma at two years of age, causing almost complete apical displacement of the deciduous maxillary left central incisor and of the permanent incisor. METHODS: Ectopia secondary to intrusion was minimized by surgical removal of the ectopic tooth, and the left permanent canine was submitted to orthodontic traction to replace the extracted tooth. RESULTS: The treatment period lasted 36 months, resulting in correct occlusion and a good aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Dental transposition carried out by means of orthopedic traction is a good alternative in cases of a very unfavorable ectopic tooth position.