Early Treatment to Correct Palatally Displaced Upper Canine Teeth in Children Aged 10 to 12 A Multicentre Randomized Study Comparing Tooth Extraction, Maxillary Expansion, and No Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating treatments for children aged 10 to 11 years with one or both permanent upper canine teeth that are displaced towards the roof of the mouth, a condition known as palatally displaced canines PDC. This condition can cause the adult canine teeth to fail to erupt properly and may lead to damage or displacement of neighboring teeth. The study aims to evaluate early orthodontic interventions compared to no treatment to see if surgery can be avoided later on. The trial is a randomized, multicenter clinical study comparing three groups one group will have the primary baby canine teeth extracted, another will receive rapid maxillary expansion RME to create space for the adult tooth without extraction, and the third group will have no treatment during an 18-month observation period. Procedures include fixed appliances or RME devices to open space for the canine, with careful monitoring through dental casts, panoramic radiographs, and CBCT scans at baseline, 12 months, and 18 months. Participants and their caregivers will provide informed consent and attend visits for clinical assessments and imaging over 18 months. Researchers will track whether surgery is needed to expose the permanent canine, any damage to surrounding teeth, patient oral health quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of each approach. Safety and treatment effects will be assessed using clinical photos and patient questionnaires collected periodically throughout the study.

The Effectiveness of Early Intervention to Correct the Position of PDC:s