When Do You Do Serial Extraction?

Based on the typical eruption pattern of the teeth, the treatment plan should involve extracting the deciduous canines around 8 to 9 years-old in order to create space for the proper alignment of incisors. This should be followed by the extraction of deciduous first molars a year later.

Why is serial extraction done?

Serial extraction will help both in closing an open bite and relieving crowded position of the incisors which may be existing in an open bite case. Premature loss of deciduous teeth, especially of the deciduous canine, is sometimes reported in literature as the cause of retention of the corresponding permanent tooth.

What is the order of serial extraction?

Serial extraction is a sequential plan of premature removal of one or more deciduous teeth in order to improve the alignment of permanent teeth and then removal of permanent teeth to maintain the proper ratio between tooth size and arch size.