title: Straight talk about extraction and nonextraction: a differential diagnostic decision.
abstract: At one stage or another, orthodontics is usually a space management procedure, particularly during the correction of a Class I or Class II malocclusion. Orthodontists use space that is available or create space to correct malocclusions. There are anterior, posterior, lateral, and vertical dimensions of the dentition and its supporting structures. If the muscular balance is normal, the clinician should try to respect these dimensions. The orthodontic clinician should not be an extractionist or a nonextractionist. Rather, the clinician should use differential diagnostic skills and artistic ability to arrive at the most appropriate treatment outcome for each patient.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Vaden
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Kiser
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012690:Serial Extraction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014716:Vertical Dimension