CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE ORTODONTIA E TERCEIROS MOLARES: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Abstract

Due to the frequency with which patients and professionals associate lower anterior dental crowding with third molars, this literature review seeks to examine this issue based on four key topics: the actual relationship between third molars and lower anterior crowding, the retention of third molars in the oral cavity, the best timing for interventionist treatment, and the comparison of decision-making between orthodontists and oral surgeons. The searches were conducted in the following databases: SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Google Scholar, PubMed, and The Angle Orthodontist. For this review, 26 studies were selected, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. At the conclusion of the literature review, it was possible to conclude that the mere presence of lower third molars is not the main factor for lower anterior crowding. Although some studies suggest a correlation between the two, it cannot be considered the sole or determining factor involved. Late mandibular growth and the natural changes that occur with aging are the most proven causes of lower anterior crowding.