Serial extraction or premolar extraction in the permanent dentition? Comparison of duration and outcome of orthodontic treatment.

Treatment outcome and duration of 2 different treatment approaches in 2 groups of comparable extraction cases were analyzed: Group I: serial extraction performed in the early mixed dentition followed by orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition; group II: extractions as well as orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition. The following conclusions were reached: 1. The treatment period with fixed appliances was highly significantly shorter in group I; however, the number of appointments was significantly higher and the total duration of treatment/observation time significantly longer. 2. In both groups the reduction in PAR score was either improved or greatly improved in all cases.