The etiology of ectopic canines is controversial, with opinion divided as to a genetic or environmental mechanism. This study addressed the hypothesis that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of ectopic maxillary canines. Sixty-three probands were identified, and information on the dental status of 395 relatives was determined. Pedigrees were constructed and the Relative Risk calculated. Complex segregation analysis was carried out by means of the Pedigree Analysis Package. The best mathematical model obtained was a single dominant gene with autosomal transmission, incomplete penetrance, and highly variable expression. Only two of seven pairs of monozygotic twins were concordant for ectopic canines. This is consistent with environmental or epigenetic variables affecting the phenotype. The low concordance rate is consistent with the low penetrance determined by the segregation analysis and further supports the existence of environmental factors.
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