Tooth transposition is a relatively rare dental anomaly of interchange in position of two adjacent teeth.
Aim: To determine the prevalence and distribution of canine transposition in a sample of orthodontic patients and present treatment alternatives and outcome.
Study design: The records of 3000 consecutively treated orthodontic patients from a university clinic were surveyed to detect canine transposition in both dental arches. The data was recorded according to gender, age, number and location.
Results: Canine transpositions were detected in 15 subjects, 3 (20%) males and 12 (80%) females presenting a prevalence of 0.5%. Of them, 6 were between the maxillary canine and first premolar, 7 between the maxillary canine and lateral incisor, 2 transpositions were between the mandibular canine and the lateral incisor. A female to male ratio of 4:1 with left side predominance was found. Treatment options include extracting the transposed teeth, maintaining them in their transposed position, or repositioning them in their normal place within the dental arch.
Conclusion: The prevalence of canine transposition in the present sample was found to be 0.5% with a greater frequency in the maxilla. Treatment options include extraction of one of the transposed teeth, alignment of the teeth in their transposed position or correction of the anomaly. The latter gives the best esthetic outcome.