Fig. 7
Guidelines for management of the non-palpable maxillary permanent canine. The vast majority of children would be expected to have maxillary canines in a buccal-palpable position at the age of 11 years, with these teeth erupted by the age of 12 years, although significant variation in eruption time can be seen.45 Guidelines relating to the PDC are based upon the current evidence base.19,44,46,47 If there is any concern about position or delayed eruption of a buccal-palpable maxillary canine, it is reasonable to undertake plain film radiographic investigation, particularly if the child is ≥12 years; however, guidance presented here for management of buccal positioned canines is the authors' opinion and not evidence-based. Collectively, these guidelines assume that there are no other issues with the developing malocclusion, particularly the presence of crowding in the maxillary arch. When there is any doubt, it is reasonable for the GDP to refer for specialist opinion at any age
