[The extraction of the 6-year molars in orthodontic practice]

There is no orthodontic indication for the extraction of sixth-year molars. Nevertheless, one-third of all permanent teeth extracted by us in orthodontic cases terminated within one year were first molars. The indication for the extraction of these permanent first molars was based exclusively on caries incidence. The resultant disadvantages to the course of treatment are discussed from medical and economic aspects.