Attitudes of Iraqi Orthodontists Towards Tooth Extractions and Skeletal Anchorage Device (Mini-Implant)

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to look into the attitudes of Iraqi orthodontists towards the extraction of maxillary second premolars rather than maxillary first premolars and the usage of skeletal anchoring devices. Methods: 400 Iraqi orthodontists received an online questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. Results: The poll received 89 responses from orthodontists (22.25 percent). The larger the carious lesion in the upper second premolar, the more likely it is to be extracted over the healthy upper first premolar. Furthermore, the duration of therapy was associated to the extraction decisions made by orthodontists. In this study, orthodontists determined that using a mini-implant as a temporary anchorage device was acceptable. Conclusions: When orthodontists determined which teeth to extract for orthodontic therapy, the condition of the teeth was the most important factor to consider. Furthermore, while most orthodontists utilize mini-implants to improve anchorage during orthodontic treatment, there are still some elements of mini-implant use that orthodontists need to understand.

Keywords

• malocclusion
• treatment time
• tooth condition
• crowding
• protrusion