Beyond the ARCH: Examining mandibular third molar movements in response to premolar and single incisor extractions in orthodontic practice

Abstract

Mandibular third molars have been the interest of the orthodontic professionals, not only because of their Position Eruptive pattern, also because of their possible role in the development of late incisor crowding. The impaction rate of the third molars (mandible > maxilla) is high compared to any other teeth. The impaction incidence of M3s may be lower in patients with orthodontic premolar extraction due to mesial movement of the posterior teeth. In this study angular and positional changes of mandibular 3 molars will be evaluated with premolars as well as single incisor extraction.: This study includes 30 Pre-treatment and post-treatment orthopantomogram (OPG) of patients seeking orthodontic treatment with extractions of premolars, single incisor are categorized into 2 groups -Group I includes premolar extractions, Group II includes single incisor extractions.The study concluded that extracting premolars or single incisors did not result in improved mandibular M3 angulation on both left and right sides during the observation period.The insignificant change in angulation suggests that there are other factors that play a role in the process of alteration of third molar angulation