This study describes the creation and application of a digitally designed and 3D-printed metallic appliance used for the surgical exposure and orthodontic alignment of maxillary palatally impacted canines. Two patients with palatally impacted canines underwent Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning to accurately determine the tooth position. Using the digital data, a custom guide supported by teeth and mucosa was designed to assist the surgeon in uncovering the canine crown and to provide the orthodontist with a reliable direction for traction. The appliance was 3D-printed using a biocompatible dental alloy and fitted in the oral cavity. Following exposure, a gold chain was bonded to each canine crown and connected to the device’s metallic projection via an elastic chain. After 3 months of traction, the crowns of the impacted canines emerged on the palate at the expected positions. A digitally planned and 3D-fabricated metallic guide, constructed from CBCT and intraoral scan data, can thus be effectively utilized for both exposure and traction of palatally impacted canines.
