A STUDY ON TREATMENT EFFECTS OF MAXILLARY SECOND MOLAR EXTRACTION CASES

상악 제 2 대구치 발거에 의한 교정치료의 효과

Orthodontic treatment in conjunction with second-molar extraction has been a controversial issue among orthodontists over many decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment effects of upper second molar extraction cases. The sample included 19 upper second molar extraction orthodontic cases(ten Angle's Class I's and nine Class II's, average age=13Y 6M) cared at Kyung-Hee University Department of Orthodontics. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and immediately after treatment. Seventy-nine points were digitized on each cephalogram and 38 cephalometric parameters were computed comprising 22 angular measurements, 13 linear measurements, and 3 facial proportions. The data obtained from each malocclusion group were analyzed by paired t-test. The statistical results disclosed that there was no significant change in skeletal pattern after treatment except for that accountable by growth while there was statistically significant change in dentoalveolar and soft tissue patterns. There were no significant changes in Bjork sum, posterior facial height /anterior facial height and lower anterior facial height /anterior facial height. No significant changes in anteroposterior position of maxilla and palatal plane were manifested. Although facial axis and lower facial height was slightly increased and the mandible was rotated backward and downward, there was no remarkable change in the mandibular plane. There were statistically significant changes in distal movement of upper first molar, molar key correction and overjet reduction while there was no change in the occlusal plane. The upper lip was slightly retracted simultaneously with slight increase in nasolabial angle. These results signify that distalization of upper dentition with the second molar extraction does change occlusal relationship without gross modifications in the craniofacial skeletal configurationson. Henceforth the second molar extracted would be recommended to treat severe anterior crowding and protrusion with minor skeletal discrepancy.