Enamel drilling for canine traction: Advantages, disadvantages, description of surgical technique and biomechanics

Abstract

Introduction: The management of unerupted teeth has always been considered as a challenging procedure in orthodontic practice. Within this perspective, the search for effectiveness in the procedures adopted for the management of unerupted teeth is essential, which explains the purpose of the present paper. When enamel drilling is performed, a natural structure is transfixed, which may be restored with composite material and may dispense from risky procedures such as bonding attachment technique and lasso wire technique. Objective: The present paper aims to present protocols for enamel drilling for canine traction (EDCT), specifically for maxillary canines, the most frequent teeth showing tooth position anomalies. In this paper, clinical cases with different degrees of complexities were illustrated, and, based upon the literature review and the 30 years of expertise with high rate of clinical success, advantages and disadvantages are discussed comparing EDCT and accessory bonding for canine traction (ABCT).