Changes in Mandibular Third Molar Angulation in High-anchorage Extraction vs Non-extraction Orthodontic Treatment: A Prospective Study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE The study aimed to compare the prospective changes in mandibular third molar angulation in high anchorage cases treated with first premolar extractions vs non-extraction orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 56 nongrowing patients: Group I had 26 patients with a high anchorage requirement who underwent first premolar extractions and group II had 30 patients who underwent non-extraction treatment. Pretreatment, mid-treatment, and posttreatment panoramic radiographs were obtained for group I and pretreatment and posttreatment for group II. Angle between M2 (second molar)-horizontal reference plane (HRP), M3 (third molar)-HRP, and M2-M3 were measured bilaterally. Data were analyzed using Student t test and ANOVA test (p value < 0.05). RESULTS Statistically significant increase was found between the pretreatment, mid-treatment, and posttreatment values of M2-M3 in group I (p value = 0.02 R and p value = 0.049 L) and between pretreatment to posttreatment values of M2-HRP in group II bilaterally (p value = 0.001). Significant increase was found in the M2-M3 angulations in group II on the right side (p value = 0.036). M3-HRP decreased in group I without reaching statistical significance. No statistically significant intergroup differences were found between the two groups in relation to M2-HRP, M3-HRP, and M2-M3 angulations. CONCLUSION M2-M3 angulations increased significantly bilaterally in group I and on the right side in group II, indicating worsening of third molar angulation. M3-HRP worsened in group I without reaching statistical significance. Extraction therapy in high anchorage cases does not lead to an improvement in third molar angulation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The extraction of first premolars in high anchorage cases does not lead to an improvement in the angulation of mandibular third molars; moreover, the angulation worsened with extraction therapy. Prospective orthodontic patients need to be cautioned against any improvement in mesioangular impaction of mandibular third molars in high anchorage premolar extraction cases.