Therapeutic extractions in orthodontics: An exploratory survey based study

Extraction versus non-extraction orthodontic treatment remains controversial due to the need to balance occlusion and facial aesthetics. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate diagnostic aids and clinical factors in orthodonic treatment planning. Hence, a cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted among 318 orthodontists and data were analysed using Chi-square tests in SPSS. Data shows that extraction decisions were mainly influenced by crowding, soft tissue parameters, skeletal relationships and periodontal status. Thus, we report the key diagnostic and clinical determinants shaping contemporary extraction practices among Indian orthodontists.