Effect of maxillary anterior supernumerary tooth extraction on the underlying malocclusion

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic discrepancies are a common finding in patients with supernumerary teeth (ST). The presence of a ST can cause a number of orthodontic discrepancies, such as delayed eruption or retention of adjacent teeth, crowding, spacing, abnormal root formation and so on. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of extraction of an anterior supernumerary tooth on the underlying orthodontic discrepancies without additional treatment for a 6-month period. Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal, observational, study. It included 40 individuals with orthodontic malocclusions due to maxillary anterior supernumeraries. We examined the changes in the crowding and excessive space in the anterior and posterior segments on cast models. Results: In the group that presented with crowding, a statistically significant decrease of 0.95 ± 0.17 mm ( P < 0.001) was found between T0 and T1. Of the participants, three exhibited full self-correction. The excessive space at T0 (3.06 mm) decreased by 1.78 ± 0.19 mm to T1 (1.28 mm) in the anterior segment. Seven patients showed full self-correction of the diastemas after the 6-month observation period. Conclusion: The results imply that orthodontic treatment can be postponed for at least 6 months after the extraction of the supernumerary tooth as potential self-correction can be expected. This natural alleviation of the malocclusions may make the orthodontic treatment simpler, shorten the treatment time and decrease overall appliance wear time.