Question
My younger sister’s child has grown a maxillary canine. Do we need to treat it? If treatment is necessary, what methods should be adopted to ensure it does not negatively affect the teeth?
Answer
A maxillary canine plays a crucial role in supporting the corners of the mouth and maintaining aesthetics, with its roots typically being the longest. As children grow older, maxillary canine can be decisive for the placement of dentures. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to extract them. However, a maxillary canine may affect the growth of adjacent teeth, especially when the adjacent teeth have not yet been replaced. To maintain aesthetics, it may be necessary to consider extracting the maxillary canine. If no treatment is pursued, the maxillary canine will only affect the overall appearance of the teeth, without directly impacting dental or physical health.