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Canine impaction is a relatively frequent clinical presentation in dentistry, with challenges that should be resolved. A good understanding by the clinician of the situation and treatment options can have a significant impact on the treatment outcome. Therefore, clinicians should be competent to perform the proper investigation, provide a correct diagnosis, develop an optimum treatment plan, and render appropriate treatment for each individual patient so each patient realizes the best outcome possible.

The 2 major treatment approaches for congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors are space closure via orthodontic therapy, or space opening to allow prosthodontic replacements either with a fixed prosthesis or single-tooth implant. Both of these treatment approaches can potentially compromise aesthetics, periodontal health, and function. It is essential for an interdisciplinary dental specialty team to establish realistic treatment objectives, communicate the sequence of treatment, interact during treatment, evaluate dental and gingival aesthetics, and position teeth to permit proper prosthetic treatment. If this interdisciplinary approach is used, the aesthetics and long-term dental health of the patient following treatment will be greatly enhanced.