Extraction Planning in Orthodontics

Planning extraction of teeth for orthodontic treatment is one of the challenging factors for successful functional and esthetic orthodontic results and for the long-term stability.

The aim of this study is to document possible extraction guidelines for planning of orthodontic treatment for space deficiency cases related to excess tooth material.

The guidelines are written as patterns to facilitate the decision of extraction of teeth for class I, class II division 1, class II division 2, and class III malocclusions, for crowding, overjet reduction, or correcting the buccal segment relationship. The decision for extraction of teeth for orthodontic treatment is enforced by the oral hygiene, carious teeth, periodontal involvement, impacted teeth, supernumeraries, hypodontia, or for orthognathic purposes. Also, planning the decision for accurate extraction pattern is the main factor in the success of the orthodontic treatment and for the long-term stability of the results.

Orthodontic tooth extraction should always be planned with consideration of the width and length of the face, the oral hygiene, carious activity, periodontal involvement, malformed crowns, length and health of the root of the teeth, prognosis of impacted teeth, supernumeraries, and hypodontia.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning following orthodontic extraction guidelines lead to a long-term stability of the corrected results.