A study on the effects of third molars on angle's Class III malocclusion

Lee, Jung Eun; Cha, Kyung Suk

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of third molar on the occlusal plane in Angle's class III malocclusion with possibilities of posterior crowding and the interrelationships of occlusal plane inclinations to other skeletal patterns. Above investigations might showed that considerations should be given to third molars with possibilities of posterior crowding in establishing diagnosis and treatment plans for Angle's class III malocclusion patients. The following conclusions were obtained. 1. In events of third molars causing possible posterior crowding, maxillary third molars showed more mesial inclinations than second molars, and compared to those with third molar missing cases, first molars were more mesially inclined and displaced more inferiorly from the palatal plane and OP-MP was increase, thus the occlusal plane was less steep. 2. In events of third molars causing possible posterior crowding, the anglulation between AB line and mandibular plane was decreased and ANB showed negative values. Thus chin points were more protruded, ramus were more anteriorly displaced, and increase in lower facial height, gonial angle, effective mandibular length and mandibular plane angle were observed. This in all caused more vertical opening and more severe skeletal disturbance. 3. OP-MP was increased as the maxillary first molars were more inferiorly displaced from the palatal plane. As this angle was increased mandibular planes were more inferiorly inclined and LFH, gonial angle, effective mandibular length were more increased and mandibular ramus was more anteriorly placed. 4. As the maxillary first molars were more inferiorly placed from the palatal plane, more increased OP-MP/PP-MP ratio made the occlusal plane less steep. As OP-MP/PP-MP was increased, mandibular ramus was more anteriorly placed and made longer, and facial angle and effective mandibular length were increased.