Infraocclusion of secondary deciduous molars--an unusual outcome

Abstract

Infraocclusion is a condition frequently associated with primary molars. The infraoccluded primary teeth remain in a fixed position, while the teeth adjacent to them continue to erupt, moving occlusally. It is generally accepted that the cause of the altered occlusal level is ankylosis of the affected tooth. This report describes a case in which a short course of interceptive treatment with a 2 x 4 fixed appliance resulted in resolution of the infrocclusion. Recreating space for a severely infraoccluded second deciduous molar resulted in 'eruption' of the tooth without the need for extraction.