Lower Third Molar Space and Angulation in Individuals with Lower Anterior Crowding

Abstract

Background: The role and involvement of mandibular third molars on mandibular incisor crowding, post retention, in orthodontically treated patients has long been debated. The correlations between lower anterior crowding and lower third molar angulation and space are not completely understood.Aim: To assess the lower third molar space and its angulation in individuals with lower anterior crowding and to compare it with that of individuals without lower anterior crowding.Settings and design: Hospital based Prospective, cross-sectional study on randomly selected individuals.Materials and Methods: Lower third molar space and angulations were measured and compared using orthopantomograph tracings of 80 subjects in the age group of 20-30 years with skeletal Class I malocclusion individuals without lower anterior crowding(Group A) and individuals with lower anterior crowding (Group B).Statistical Analysis: Both the space and angulations of lower third molar were correlated with the lower anterior crowding using Pearson Correlation Coefficient.Results: Significant differences were found in third molar space between the study group and the control group. But there was no significant difference in third molar angulation between the groups.Conclusion: the lower anterior crowding has a significant influence on third molar space but did not have any effect on third molar angulation.