Around age 10 or 11, one should be able to palpate for the labial/palatal canine bulge in the upper arch. The concern here is possible canine impaction.
Check the following -
πͺπΌ Canine bulge - should be palpable otherwise take radiographs to determine position of the upper canines.
π¦· Size of upper lateral incisors - small or peg shaped laterals are often associated with impacted canines.
π Angulation of upper lateral crowns - distal inclination of crown is preferable as canine would be more likely to descend along the distal aspect of the root.
π¦· Lower canine eruption - Usually erupt 6-9 months ahead of upper canines. If it has been 6 months or more since lower primary canines exfoliated, upper primary canines should start show some mobility.
Q. Which radiographs to take?
Age 10-11 is a good time to take a PAN to locate the Maxillary canines. SLOB rule to determine labial or palatal impaction using two Periapicals or PA/PAN and an occlusal radiograph.
π₯ Labially impacted canines are more commonly seen in crowded arches, palatal ones in narrow arch with spacing.
Risk factors for ectopic canines -
π¨βπ©βπ§ Family history - ask the parents/siblings if their canines had to be surgically exposed and guided into position.
π¦· Small or peg shaped laterals
π Missing laterals
π¦· Ectopic central incisors
π¦· Late or asymmetric eruption of canines
Early detection can minimize complications.