Orthodontic treatment of a patient with bilateral transposed maxillary canine

An 11-years old male patient whose maxillary canines were erupting between first and second premolars was referred to our clinic for treatment. In the evaluation of panoramic radiograph, it was determined that bilateral maxillary canines were completely transposed with first premolars. 3 dimensional (3D) cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) was taken to observe the positions of the roots and to detect whether it would be possible to place the canines to their correct positions (between lateral incisor and first premolar) with orthodontic treatment. In the 3D tomographic evaluation it was determined that the roots of the canines were placed between the roots of the premolars and they were in vestibule position, the roots of the first premolars were in palatinal position. However, it was detected that the canines’ roots would come into contact with the roots of the first premolars during canine mesialization so we planned to insert the canines between the premolars in order to prevent the risk of root resorption.