Long-term follow-up after the treatment of impacted canines in the maxilla causing severe root resorption of the lateral incisors: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Root resorption of adjacent teeth due to impacted canines is common, and orthodontic treatment often leads to secondary resorption or even loss of adjacent roots. Clinical reports of long-term stability after treatment are rare.

CASE PRESENTATION: This study reports two cases of maxillary impacted canines resulting in severe root resorption of the adjacent lateral incisors. Surgical exposure, orthodontic retraction, and alignment of the impacted canines were successful in both cases, and the resorbed lateral incisors were stable with no significant loosening and normal pulp vitality after treatment and at the 5- and 10-year follow-up appointments.

CONCLUSIONS: Light orthodontic force may be used to move adjacent teeth with root resorption due to tooth obstruction. The path and direction in which the teeth are moved must be specifically designed so that the adjacent roots are not resorbed and so long-term stability can be achieved.