QuickScan Reviews in Orthodontics, April 30 2009

Evidence concerning (1) the relationship of extraction treatment and development of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), (2) the value of 2-stage treatment when compared to later 1-stage treatment, (3) the effect of orthodontic treatment of smiles and profiles, and (4) rapid maxillary expansion (RME)-induced spontaneous correction of Class II molar relations is reviewed. Is extraction treatment a risk factor for development of TMD? Is there any added value in 2-stage treatment? Does extraction treatment harm the esthetics of the smile and facial profile? Does RME in patients with Class II malocclusions routinely result in the spontaneous correction of Class II molar relations? Available data indicate that (1) extraction treatment is not associated with development of TMD, (2) there is no added value to 2-stage treatment except for the occurrence of less root resorption that exceeds 2 mm in subjects treated in 2 stages, (3) smiles after extraction treatment are as esthetically pleasing as smiles after non-extraction treatment and posttreatment profiles of extraction and non-extraction patients, for the most part, are similar, and (4) routine correction of Class II molar relations after RME does not occur. Conclusions: Extraction treatment is not a risk factor for TMD. There is little added value to 2-stage treatment except for the possibility of less root resorption exceeding 2 mm. Disadvantages are longer treatment time and the possible need for retention between stage 1 and 2. Extraction treatment does not compromise facial esthetics. RME in patients with Class II malocclusions does not routinely lead to conversion of Class II molar relationships to Class I relationships. This review is an abstract of an audio presentation from Practical Reviews in Orthodontics . If you do not have access to this presentation and would like to purchase a copy, please call 1-800-633-4743, email [email protected], or write Oakstone Medical Publishing, 100 Corporate Parkway, Suite 600, Birmingham, Alabama 35242.