Orthodontic Tooth Exposures

Some individuals, typically adolescents, can have one or more adult teeth that have not erupted into the mouth. Sometimes orthodontic treatment is unable to begin until the adult teeth are present in their mouth. In a simple surgical procedure, we remove the gum over an impacted tooth to expose the hidden tooth. We will simultaneously remove the baby tooth if it is present. Once the tooth is exposed, an orthodontic bracket will be bonded to the exposed tooth. The adult tooth then can be moved down into alignment with the other teeth.