[First molar extraction in malocclusion: an analysis of 20 consecutive cases].

PURPOSE: To study the feasibility and orthodontic effect of decayed first molar extraction in malocclusion. METHODS: 20 cases with first molar extraction in malocclusion were chosen for this study. There were 3 males and 17 females, aging from 13.5 to 22 years with an average age of 15.6 years . 7 cases were treated with extraction of two lower first molars, 5 cases with extraction of one lower first molar, 2 cases with extraction of four first molars, 2 cases with extraction of one lower first molar and upper first molar, 4 cases with extraction of one upper first molar. All patients were treated with 0.018 edgewise appliance or 0.018 straightwire appliance. The procedure included bonding brackets, putting arch wire, leveling dentition, closing extraction space and adjusting occlusal relationships routinely. RESULTS: When treatment finished, all the 20 cases gained satisfactory results, all the teeth lined up in order ,anterior teeth gained correct overbite and overjet, midline was alignment, molar space was completely closed, occlusion was perfect, the occlusion and facial profile were improved. CONCLUSION: The treatment of decayed first molar extraction in malocclusion could retain more healthy teeth, gain satisfactory orthodontic results, improve the occlusion.