Disorders of eruption in the anterior maxilla is associated with permanent canines which is believed to be caused by: the premature loss or impaired resorption of deciduous teeth. Treatment of retained maxillary canines depends on their location in the bone, the amount of space in the dental arch, the patient's age, type of braces used. The aim of this paper is to diagnose the possibility of retained maxillary canines in terms of clinical and radiological threats. Based on the analysis of literature from the years 1990–2012 made its review of the 3 databases (Pub Med., Medline, Polish Base) using as keywords: retained tooth, permanent teeth of the jaw, diagnosis. Due to the size of a thematic issue of detainees about retained canines, analyzed the literature only for the diagnosis of the location of these teeth in the bone. Reviewed publication indicates that the correct diagnosis of retained canines should be performed on the basis of clinical examination and radiological (teeth radiograph, panoramie X-Ray, computer tomography, occlusal radiograph). Recent diagnostic techniques such as volumetric imaging – to a three-dimensional assessment of the position of teeth in the bone, therefore, is one of the most accurate methods to assess the position of retained canines in the jawbone. Comprehensive analysis of the exact teeth allows for precise determination of their location in relation to neighboring structures in the jaw bone as well as the proper development plan of orthodontic treatment.

Key words: impacted teeth, upper canines, improper eruption.