Effects of extraction treatment on maxillary and mandibular sagittal development in growing patients.

This retrospective investigation was designed to assess the effects of extraction treatment on the sagittal dimensions of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal structures of growing patients. The records of 40 patients (17 girls, 23 boys; median age 10 years 11 months) whose orthodontic treatment involved extraction of four premolars were evaluated and compared with a control group of 100 patients (54 girls, 46 boys; median age 10 years 7 months) treated non-extraction. Two lateral cephalograms were obtained of each patient, the first before the extractions, T1, and the second at a later point, T2 (mean difference 59 months). Linear parameters, including S-N, the maxillary/mandibular alveolar process, and maxillary/mandibular base, were measured. The same parameters were determined in the control group at corresponding time points (mean difference 63 months). For analysis, the sagittal dimensions of the alveolar processes and jaw bases were compared with each other. The relationships were also established to a reference line known to be unaffected by extraction treatment (S-N). This procedure was performed for the whole sample and for three subgroups formed according to the Wits appraisal. Statistical analysis was carried out using a Student's t-test. Comparisons of the total sample showed differences between the groups, which were statistically significant for the maxillary alveolar process, the mandibular alveolar process, and the mandibular base. They varied however in the different subgroups. Whenever extraction treatment is considered, it should be borne in mind that the effects on the sagittal dimension of different bony structures may vary.