[Extraction versus non-extraction. Does the pendulum swing too much?]

Abstract

Therapeutic extractions in Orthodontics has decreased in the last few years. The idea of that early treatment, functional appliances, upper molar and bicuspids distal movements, upper sagittal suture opening and other proceedings, reduce extraction practice is widely extended. Unfavorable effects like facial profile worsening and TMJ problems has been related to extractions. In this study common arguments against extractions has been analysed and attacked. Some cases are presented to illustrate non-extraction reliability. Main conclusions are: there is not relationship between extraction and TMJ dysfunctions; profile changes depend on technique not on extractions "per se"; profile gets better in alveolar prognatisms; non-extraction tendency rely most on some viewpoints away from biologic facts than clinical evidences.