Extraction of four first molars: a case for a general practitioner?

Abstract

It has been suggested that the extraction of four first molars ‘doubles the treatment time and halves the prognosis’ (Mills). It is also thought by some that these cases are unsuitable for treatment by General Dental Practitioners. The aim of this article is to illustrate that, with careful case selection, space analysis and good anchorage control, first molar extraction cases can be relatively straightforward

Keywords:

• Orthodontics
• first permanent molars
• fixed appliance therapy