Interventions for impacted maxillary canines: A systematic review of the relationship between initial canine position and treatment outcome

Abstract Background The objective of this review was to critically assess the existing literature on the relationship between the initial position of impacted canines and treatment outcomes. Methods We performed a systematic review of the available literature until February 2020 using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and PubMed databases. Prospective and retrospective studies (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], cohort studies, longitudinal follow‐up studies) considering impacted maxillary canines that were orthodontically and/or surgically treated, and clearly reporting the initial position using 2D and/or 3D classifications, were included if they assessed at least one of the following: treatment success, treatment duration, number of treatment visits, radiographic outcome, periodontal health, esthetics and/or treatment complications. The included studies were assessed for risk of bias according to the Cochrane guidelines. Results Seventeen studies were reviewed (2 RCTs and 15 non‐RCTs). The included studies enrolled a total of 1247 patients with an average age of 14.1 years and a total of 1597 impacted canines. Various causal relationships were detected between the success of treatment modalities and the initial state of the impacted canine (bucco‐palatal position, vertical position, canine angulation, root development). Discussion Evidence, though limited, suggests that a higher alpha angle, higher vertical position and more mesial sector of the impacted canine are related to less successful interceptive and active treatment solutions, prolonged treatment time and inferior outcomes.