Late lower arch crowding: the effect of second molar extraction.

Mesial drift and change in crowding over a 5-year period were compared in 30 subjects whose lower second molars were extracted between ages 11 and 17 years and 30 subjects whose lower second molars were not extracted. Significant differences were found. The nonextraction subjects showed an average forward movement of first molars and an increase in crowding. The extraction group showed slight distal movement of first molars and a decrease in crowding. It is concluded that lower second molar extraction reduces the tendency to forward movement of buccal segments and increased crowding by relieving eruptive pressure from third molars and that the presence of a developing lower third molar with insufficient space can be one cause of late lower arch crowding.