title: Effect of orthodontic treatment involving first premolar extractions on mandibular third molar angulation and retromolar space.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Third molars present more problems than other teeth because they are the last teeth to erupt, and so it is important to assess their development when designing an orthodontic treatment plan. The aim of this study was to compare the angulation of the mandibular third molar and retromolar space before and after orthodontic treatment in cases involving first premolar extraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  76 patients, 59 women (77.63%) and 17 men (22.36%), were recruited from the Orthodontics Clinic at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (Mexico). Panoramic radiographs were analyzed before and after orthodontic treatment that included first premolar extractions, measuring retromolar space (RS) and the angles formed by the intersection of the axes of the third and second molar (α) and the intersection of the axis of the mandibular plane and third molar (β).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data obtained underwent statistical analysis. The angle α and β showed statistically significant differences on the left side in women. In men, only the right side α angle showed significant differences. Retromolar space increased significantly on both sides for both sexes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Third molar angulation presents different behaviors between men and women, with greater verticalization in women.Key words:Third molar, retromolar space, orthodontics.
authors.affiliation: Master in Orthodontics. Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. Puebla, Puebla México.
authors.forename: Luz-Victoria
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Mendoza-García
authors.affiliation: Master in Pediatric Dentistry, Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vaillard-Jiménez
authors.affiliation: PhD, D. Master in Oral Prosthodontics and Specialist in Oral Rehabilitation. Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Veracruz, Mexico.
authors.forename: Araceli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García-Rocha
authors.affiliation: PhD in Dentistry. Master in Orthodontics UV. Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bellot-Arcís
authors.affiliation: PhD in Dentistry. Master in Orthodontics UCM. Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paredes-Gallardo