Canino ectopico vestibolare: Concetti diagnostici e terapeutici in Ortodonzia

The permanent canine represents a tooth of fundamental importance from both a functional and an aesthetic perspective. Its strategic position within the dental arch contributes significantly to occlusal guidance, anterior dental stability, and the overall harmony of the smile. However, the canine is also among the teeth most frequently affected by eruption disturbances or positional anomalies, among which vestibular ectopia represents a clinically relevant condition. Vestibular ectopic eruption of the canine occurs when the tooth, during its eruption pathway, deviates from its normal trajectory and emerges toward the buccal aspect of the arch. This displacement is often associated with aesthetic, functional, and orthodontic complications. If not diagnosed early, it can lead to consequences such as root resorption of adjacent incisors, dental crowding, and facial asymmetry. Early diagnosis and interdisciplinary management therefore play a crucial role in the treatment of ectopic canines. The integration of clinical examination, radiographic investigations, and orthodontic assessment allows for the planning of targeted and individualized interventions aimed at promoting proper eruption while preserving the health of the periodontium and surrounding structures. The purpose of this thesis is to systematically analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic concepts related to vestibular ectopic canines, by exploring their anatomy, etiology, diagnostic methods, and main orthodontic treatment strategies, with particular attention to preventive protocols and future perspectives in clinical orthodontic management.