Management of lower incisor crowding in the early mixed dentition.

This paper describes normal and problem development in lower incisor positioning and offers options for management of crowded cases. The following guidelines were recommended, (1) lower incisor crowding of 2 mm or less and with an intercanine width greater than 28mm will usually resolve spontaneously, (2) lower incisor crowding of 3-4 mm is best managed by discing of the primary dentition, (3) crowding assessment of 5-9 mm requires extraction of primary teeth with probable placement of a supportive lingual arch and, (4) crowding greater than 10 mm requires fixed appliance therapy and careful orthodontic management with attention to the severity of the malocclusion.