The effect of age at diagnosis on the complexity and outcome of treatment of palatally ectopic canines.

This study examined the records of 218 patients from the 5-year period 1979-1983 who were treated for palatally ectopic canines in the Glasgow Dental Hospital. It tested the hypothesis that there was a relationship between the age of the patient at diagnosis, and the complexity and outcome of treatment. Whilst the age of the patient had no influence on the complexity of the treatment required, it had a significant effect on the outcome since it was related to the number of failed appointments and the likelihood of completing treatment successfully.