Third molars and incisor crowding: when removal is unwarranted.
Recent evidence indicates that extracting unerupted mandibular third molars neither decreases interdental force measurably nor prevents mandibular incisor crowding. There are valid reasons for extracting third molars. But extraction for the exclusive purpose of relieving interdental pressure and thereby preventing incisor crowding is unwarranted.
Southard
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Department of Orthodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City 52242.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology*; D008644:Mesial Movement of Teeth / Q000517:prevention & control; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D013027:Space Maintenance, Orthodontic / Q000379:methods*; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014097:Tooth, Unerupted / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery