Transposition is an uncommon condition and arises when the positions of two adjacent teeth in the dental arch are switched.
Correction is usually straightforward with fixed appliances if the transposed teeth lie side by side across the dental arch. If the transposition is complete, treatment may involve the loss of one of the teeth and then space closure if the dental arch is also crowded or favorably asymmetric. If the dental arch is uncrowded the transposition should be accepted because of the risk to the gum health during the prolonged and difficult treatment that correction would entail.
Transposed teeth rarely have the same shape so cosmetic reshaping of the teeth may be necessary to obtain the best function and appearance.
