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.
