An impacted tooth? Here is how we guide it in.
An impacted tooth is one that is stuck and has not come through into the arch, most often a canine. In most cases we can uncover it and gently guide it into its proper place, rather than remove it. Here is what it means and how we treat it.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviews · Specialist orthodontist · Real patient results · Newmarket, Auckland
Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Impacted teeth, guided into line
Real Milk Orthodontics patients, treated by a specialist and shared with their permission. Your own plan is designed for your specific case.
What an impacted tooth is
A tooth is impacted when it is blocked and cannot come through into its normal position, usually because there is not enough room or it is pointing the wrong way. Upper canines are the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth. Caught early, an impacted tooth can most often be guided into the arch rather than removed.
Why it is worth treating
A canine is a key tooth for a strong, even bite and a natural smile. Left impacted it can damage the roots of neighbouring teeth or leave a gap, so guiding it into place protects the whole arch.
How we treat it
The tooth is gently uncovered and a small attachment lets us guide it into the arch with braces over time. It is a well established treatment, and in most cases the tooth is saved rather than removed.
Best caught early
A simple X-ray around age nine to eleven shows whether a canine is on track. Spotting an impaction early gives the best chance of guiding the tooth in simply, which is why an early check matters.
A free Smile Assessment, with an X-ray if needed, tells you exactly where the tooth is and how we would guide it in. We treat this in children, teens and adults, usually with braces.
Clear pricing, no surprises
The first step is a free Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. A full diagnostic work-up with a written plan and exact quote is $390. Comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900 with most cases around $10,400, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare. Guiding an impacted tooth may involve a separate minor surgical fee, which we set out clearly in your quote. Interest-free in-house plans are available.
Answered honestly
What is an impacted tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that is stuck and has not come through into the arch, usually because there is not enough room or it is angled the wrong way. Upper canines are the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.
Can an impacted canine be saved?
In most cases, yes. Rather than remove it, we uncover the tooth and gently guide it into the arch with braces. Saving a canine is well worth it, because it is a key tooth for a strong bite and a natural looking smile.
How is an impacted tooth treated?
The tooth is gently uncovered with a minor procedure and a small attachment is placed on it. We then guide it into its proper place in the arch with braces over several months. It is a well established, predictable treatment.
How much does treatment cost?
Treatment follows our standard pricing: comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900, all-inclusive and including GST, with most cases around $10,400. Guiding an impacted tooth may involve a separate minor surgical fee. You get an exact written quote after your free Smile Assessment.
Find out if a tooth is impacted
A free 20 minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral needed, no obligation, just honest specialist advice on the tooth and the best way to guide it into place.
See more before and after results, or explore the other conditions we treat.