Ectopic eruption of the maxillary central permanent incisors and mandibular first permanent molars: Report of an unusual case

Ectopic eruption is a disturbance in which the tooth does not follow its usual course. Among its more important etiologic factors are macrodontism, shortened arch length, posterior positioning of the maxilla, atypical eruption angle, and genetic factors. This article reports a rare case of ectopic eruption of 4 permanent teeth, maxillary central incisors and mandibular first molars, in a child aged 7 years and 11 months, in which the treatment consisted of extracting the maxillary primary central incisors and making an orthodontic intervention on the mandibular arch. A bilateral fixed appliance containing 2 hooks with loops, 1 buccal and the other lingual, was placed on the mandibular primary first molars. The hooks were activated in a niche made of light-curing resin on the occlusal surface of the mandibular permanent molars, to bring about the distal drift of these teeth. After 6 months, complete eruption of the mandibular permanent molars occurred, and a slight displacement of the maxillary permanent central incisors toward the median line was noted. The importance of early, adequate treatment is discussed. Keywords: tooth eruption, ectopic; orthodontics, interceptive; dentition, permanent; molar; incisor; pediatric dentistry