EXTRACTION OF MAXILLARY 2ND MOLARS IN THE TREATMENT OF CLASS-II MALOCCLUSION

The results of treatment following the extraction of maxillary second molars for Class II correction were evaluated. Records (cephalograms, orthopantomograms, and models) of 32 patients treated with maxillary s econd molar extraction were analyzed. Cephalograms taken before and af ter treatment were traced and 18 variables were compared. Changes in t he axial inclination of the erupted third molars relative to the occlu sal plane were measured on the orthopantomograms. The form and the pos ition (eruption in occlusion, rotations) of the maxillary third molars were evaluated on the models. The average treatment time was 26 month s. The results of this study show significant changes of the angles SN A, SNB, ANB, (1) under bar:SN, and the distances (1) under bar-NPog, a nd (1) under bar-APog, as well as significant effects on the soft tiss ue profile. In 19 cases examined 4 years postretention, all maxillary third molars had erupted into occlusion with a mesial contact point an d acceptable mesiodistal axial inclination.