Kumar and Daigavane's Impacted Maxillary Canine Grading System: A New Classification System For Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate

Introduction Maxillary canines are the most commonly impacted teeth, second only to third molars. Cleft lip and palate patients have a higher chance of impacted canines due to defects in bone formation and the soft tissue enclosing it. Various authors have used two-dimensional radiographs and developed grading systems to streamline treatment modalities to deal with the impacted canines. Material and Methods A study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Children aged nine to 12 were selected for this evaluation based on both clinical and radiographic examination. Four different parameters were set to evaluate the impacted canine location. which was based on angulation, vertical height, root apex location, and defect area involved. Result Based on these evaluations, a classification was developed by the present authors, and later the cases were assessed as per the new system that we named Kumar and Daigavane's (KD) Impacted Maxillary Canine Grading System which we developed to give us more clarity for treatment and prognosis for treatment of cleft lip and palate. Conclusion A three-dimensional evaluation is also advised for a better understanding of the impacted canines. Many of the shortcomings of the two-dimensional assessment can be diminished. This new grading system will improve cleft diagnosis and prognosis in patients with cleft lips and/or palates.