Canine teeth (“eye teeth”) often develop in the wrong position and remain hidden inside the gum tissue. A hidden canine tooth is usually positioned in the roof of the mouth but could also be positioned, it may be positioned beneath the upper lip.

In order for the orthodontist to be able to move the unerupted tooth into the mouth with braces, it will first be necessary to expose the tooth surgically and bond a metal bracket and chain to the tooth. The orthodontist will then attach the chain to a brace and slowly pull the tooth into position