Impacted Canine Treatment on Maui

An impacted canine is a tooth worth saving, and early detection makes all the difference. At Maui Braces, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Alex Verga diagnoses and treats impacted canines at our Kahului, Makawao, and Lahaina offices. Call or text (808) 874-9229 for a free consultation.

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What Is an Impacted Canine?

A canine, or eyetooth, is impacted when it does not erupt into its proper place and stays stuck in the gum or bone. Canines are some of the most important teeth for a healthy bite and a natural-looking smile, so guiding an impacted one into position is well worth the effort. Upper canines are the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.

Why It Matters, and Why Early Detection Helps

An impacted canine can damage the roots of neighboring teeth and leave a gap in the bite if it is missed. Caught early, often with a digital x-ray during a routine evaluation, it can frequently be guided into place more simply. That is one reason an orthodontic check around age 7 is so valuable.

The best approach of all is prevention. Screening kids early lets us spot a canine that is angled or heading off course before it gets stuck. In many of those cases, simply removing the baby canine at the right time, or creating room with early (Phase I) expansion, encourages the adult canine to erupt on its own, sometimes avoiding the impaction altogether.

Digital x-rays on Maui

How We Treat Impacted Canines on Maui

First we locate the tooth precisely with digital imaging. We work with an oral surgeon who exposes the tooth and bonds a small attachment to it. Braces then apply gentle, steady traction to guide the canine into its correct position over several months. It is a patient process, and the payoff is keeping a key natural tooth.

Braces on Maui Digital x-rays Braces vs clear aligners

Patient Story

A young teen came to our Kahului office after a digital x-ray showed an upper canine that was not coming in. Dr. Verga coordinated a simple exposure and used braces to gently guide the tooth into place over several months, preserving a key natural tooth and completing the smile.

Why Maui Braces

Guiding an impacted tooth into place takes specialist planning and patience. Dr. Alex Verga is a board-certified orthodontist whose practice is limited to orthodontics, supported by modern digital imaging, a family-friendly team, and deep Maui community ties.

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Impacted Canines: FAQs

What is an impacted tooth?

It is a tooth that has not erupted into place and remains stuck in the gum or bone. Upper canines are among the most commonly impacted teeth.

How is an impacted canine treated?

We locate it with digital imaging, usually expose it with a minor procedure, and then use braces to gently guide it into position over several months.

Why does early detection matter?

Caught early, an impacted canine is often easier to guide into place and less likely to damage neighboring teeth. An orthodontic check around age 7 helps catch it, and in some cases early action can prevent the impaction entirely.

Will my child need surgery?

If a canine is already impacted, a minor exposure procedure by an oral surgeon is usually needed so we can attach to the tooth and guide it in. Caught early, though, we can sometimes prevent impaction altogether by removing the baby canine at the right time or creating room with early expansion, avoiding surgery.

How long does treatment take?

Guiding an impacted canine into place is gradual and can take many months, as part of overall braces treatment. Dr. Alex gives you a personalized timeline.

What Patients Say About Maui Braces

★★★★★ 5.0 — 450+ Google Reviews

“Such an amazing Doctor and all of his staff! My daughter loved the kindness and comfort she experienced during her treatment. Highly recommended!” — Christly Garcia

“My son received orthodontic treatment from the Maui Braces team over the course of about 2.5 years, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. From day one to the final visit, the staff made us feel welcome and went above and beyond to be helpful and caring.” — Debra Lynn Ho