Vertical Dimension in non growing patients using fixed mechanotherapy: Testing Wedge hypothesis

Beginning with the great extraction debate between Angle and Calvin Case, extraction still continues to be a controversial issue. According to the wedge hypothesis, extraction of premolars facilitating mesialisation of molars leads to decrease in the lower anterior facial height. Whereas, distalization of molars leads to an increase in the lower anterior facial height. Though, this hypothesis is agreed by many but few question its reliability in biological environment. Thus, the effect of premolars extraction on the lower face still remains a question. Therefore, the present study was done to evaluate and compare the vertical changes in class I non growing patients treated with all first premolars extraction and non extraction using pre adjusted edgewise appliance.