Influence of occlusal finishing on extraction-site closure stability

BackgroundOrthodontic treatment can require teeth extractions, but post-treatment reopening of the extraction space is a sporadic and unexpected occurrence. The final occlusion is one of the factors mentioned in the literature that can contribute to space reopening. This study evaluated the influence of the occlusal results on extraction-site reopening.MethodsThe sample consisted of 44 patients with Class I or II, Division 1 malocclusion, treated with four first-premolar extractions, divided into two groups: group 1, consisting of 22 patients with an initial mean age of 13.25 years and with post-treatment reopening of the extraction site; and group 2, formed by 22 patients with an initial mean age of 12.84 years and with stability of the extraction-site closure. The pretreatment, post-treatment, and long-term post-treatment study models were used to calculate the amount of extraction-site relapse and the Peer Assessment Rating index. The groups were compared using the Student's t test.ResultsThe relapsed group had a significantly worse occlusal finishing, and greater initial crowding was associated with better occlusal finishing.ConclusionBetter occlusal finishing will decrease the probability of extraction-space reopening.