Ask Dr. Gray > Where's my canine teeth?

I'm thirteen and I still have seven baby teeth. My teeth hurt a lot and my dentist said that my x ray showed that my canine teeth were above my adult front teeth, pushing my teeth vertically. (its confusing but theyre like above the teeth next to my front teeth)I was wondering the kind of painful procedure that would happen, how long it needs to take and.....how bad it would hurt. if I wait too long my dentist said that my front teeth would become more crooked and be pushed out

January 8, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterH

It sounds like you have impacted canines. They get stuck on lots of people. To get them in, you usually have to have braces put on first... then have the gum surgery to have them uncovered... then use the braces to pull them down into the right place. When you get the teeth uncovered, you will be a little sore - usually for a few days. It's not THAT bad.
As for how long it takes... it can take up to 2-3 years if they're far off. If they're closer, than it doesn't take nearly as long.
If you wait too long, they can cause damage to the front teeth they are on top of. They can make the other teeth more crooked too. So, the sooner you get to work on them, the better.

January 8, 2012 | Registered Commenterjessegray