This ADA Centre for Evidence-based Dentistry critical summary of a systematic review published in 2011. The original review was asked whether interceptive treatment involving the early extraction of the deciduous canine prevents impaction of palatally displaced canines (PDC) [ see Dental Elf 28th July ].
The ADA noted that while the review was generally well conducted the quality of the studies identified was not ideal with both of the identified trials have important methodological issues so having a high risk of bias.
As a consequence the available evidence does not allow clear recommendations for practice to be made and further studies of more robust design are needed.
