Expose & Bond in Reno & Fallon
Expose & Bond for Impacted Canines
Expose and bond is a short procedure that uncovers an impacted tooth — most often an upper canine — and attaches a small bracket so braces can gently guide it into position. At Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery, we coordinate closely with your orthodontist, and most patients are back to normal in a day or two.
Or call (775) 284-2500Expert oral surgery care
Surgical training for routine and complex cases.
Personalized comfort options
A sedation plan based on your procedure and health history.
Guidance before and after
Clear preparation, recovery support and follow-up care.
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What is expose & bond?
Canine teeth are important for your bite and smile. Sometimes they get stuck in the bone or under the gum. Rather than removing them, we can help them come in.
Your surgeon gently uncovers the tooth and bonds a bracket with a small chain to it. Your orthodontist then uses braces to slowly pull the tooth into place over several months.
Key facts
- Procedure: under 1 hour
- Coordinated with your orthodontist
- Recovery: 1–2 days
Why consider expose & bond?
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend this treatment when there is an existing problem or a meaningful risk of future complications.
Preteens and teens with an impacted canine
Patients already in or starting braces
Anyone referred by an orthodontist for an unerupted tooth
Patients with a baby canine that has not fallen out
Teens with crowding that blocks a tooth from coming in
Families who want to protect the roots of neighboring teeth
Am I a candidate?
Best results come when treatment starts early, usually in the preteen or early teen years.
Request your evaluationWhat to expect from Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery
Our philosophy is simple: people first, through compassion, comfort and expertise. From your initial consultation through your recovery, we want you to feel informed, supported and confident in your care.
Step 1
Coordinate with your orthodontist
Braces are usually placed first to create space. We review imaging and the orthodontic plan.
Step 2
3D imaging
A CBCT scan shows the exact location of the tooth.
Step 3
The procedure
With local anesthesia and optional sedation, the tooth is uncovered and a bracket is bonded. It typically takes under an hour.
Step 4
Orthodontic guidance
Your orthodontist attaches the chain to your braces to guide the tooth into place.
Recovery
Your recovery timeline
Every patient heals at their own pace. Here is what most people can expect, and our team is a phone call away at every stage.
Phase 1
Days 1–2
Mild soreness. Soft foods and rinses as directed.
Healing progress
Phase 2
Next orthodontic visit
Your orthodontist begins guiding the tooth, typically within 1 to 2 weeks.
Healing progress
Risks and safety
Possible risks include soreness, bracket detachment or the tooth not moving as planned. Close teamwork with your orthodontist helps.
Cost, insurance and financing
Cost varies by complexity and sedation. Many dental plans with orthodontic coverage help. We provide an estimate beforehand.
Learn about financing optionsWhy patients choose Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery
Care centered around you
We listen to your concerns, explain your options and build a treatment plan around your needs.
Experience you can trust
Our surgeons trained in hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery programs.
Comfort throughout treatment
Personalized anesthesia options, including IV sedation, so you feel at ease before and during your procedure.
Support during recovery
Detailed aftercare guidance, clear instructions and follow-up from a team that stays reachable.
- Close coordination with local orthodontists
- 3D imaging for precise planning
- Gentle, teen-friendly care
Get to know your oral surgeons
Meet the experienced doctors who will guide you through your expose & bond evaluation, treatment and recovery.
Ryan R. Falke, DDS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Founder
Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS founded Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery in Reno in 2016. He trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Loma Linda University and focuses on wisdom teeth, dental implants, bone grafting and sedation.
Meet Dr. Falke
Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD
Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic. She holds both dental and medical degrees and has practiced in Reno since 2019.
Meet Dr. Bentjen
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Expose & Bond FAQ
What does it mean when a canine tooth is impacted?
It means the tooth is stuck under the gum or in the bone and cannot come in by itself.
How long does it take for the tooth to move into place?
It usually takes several months to a year, depending on how far the tooth needs to move.
Is expose and bond painful?
The area is numbed and sedation is available. Most patients have mild soreness for a day or two.
What happens if an impacted canine is not treated?
It can damage nearby roots, form a cyst or leave a gap. Early treatment gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS. Last reviewed .
Related services
Diagnosis & Imaging
CBCT 3D Imaging
A quick, low-dose 3D scan that shows teeth, bone and nerves for safer, more precise surgery.
Learn moreComfort & Sedation
IV Sedation & Anesthesia
In-office sedation delivered by your surgeon, so you can relax and remember little of your procedure.
Learn more
Surgery
Tooth Extractions
Gentle removal of damaged, infected or crowded teeth, with options to replace them later.
Learn more
Ready to learn more about expose & bond?
Whether you've been referred by your dentist or are planning ahead, schedule a consultation to learn which option is right for you.