Mandibular Third Molars and Lower Anterior Crowding: Comparison of Opinions of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons and Orthodontists

Objective: To compare the opinion of orthodontists and oral-maxillofacial surgeons on relation between erupting mandibular third molars and lower incisal crowding.Patients and Methods: This descriptive study involved 100 Pakistani clinicians (50 orthodontists, 50 oral-maxillofacial surgeons) to answer online questionnaire regarding their opinions on link between erupting Mandibular Third Molars along with their extraction opinion with reference to development and prevention of lower incisal crowding. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Pearson's chi-square test was applied and statistical significance was defined at <=0.05.Results: Statistically insignificant differences were found between oral-maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists regarding question of erupting mandibular third molars in causing lower incisal crowding. Similarly, statistically insignificant differences between oral-maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists were found regarding question of recommending preventive extraction of mandibular third molars for developing lower incisal crowding.Conclusion: No opinion differences were observed between Pakistani oral surgeons and orthodontists, regarding the link of lower third molar as a cause of lower incisal crowding.