ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS ON THE OCCURRENCE OF INCISAL MANDIBULAR CROWDING

Fjolla AJETI, Natasa TOSESKA SPASOVA, Albina AJETI ABDURAMANI, Nora FAZLIU

Abstract

Mandibular incisal crowding is described as the discrepancy between the mesiodistal widths of the four permanent incisors and the available space in the alveolar process. The aim of this research is to assess the potential influence of mandibular third molars on the development of lower incisor crowding and to analyze the relationship between mandibular incisal crowding and retromolar eruption space, eruption level and angulation of third molars. For the realization of our objectives examinations are performed on study plaster orthodontic models (mandibular dental arches) and orthopantomographic images of 80 individuals, aged between 12 and 22 years. The whole sample is divided into two groups based on the Little’s index of irregularity: group I-control group composed of patients with index 0 to 3 mm, and group II- study group composed of patients with index >3 mm. Calculations are made for the third molar eruption depth, eruption space, and angulation. The influence of the third molar on mandibular incisor crowding is evaluated in the dental literature and has been a challenging subject for many years. Further detailed studies are also required to assess correlation between lower anterior crowding and third molar eruption depth, angulation and space in different skeletal malocclusions, and also in different facial morphologies.

Pages: 191 - 195