A dilemma in orthodontics: Extractions in borderline cases

Abstract

Patient with good facial esthetics require extractions to reach a stable and functional occlusion can be categorized as a borderline case. It may also be defined as the case caught in between the conflict of extraction and nonextraction. Empirical evidence of uncertainty exists with these patients. Borderline cases may also have an absence of dental or craniofacial anomalies, permanent dentition, healthy periodontium and normal anteroposteriorly relationship between maxilla and mandible. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe criteria, which should be kept in mind before deciding to go for extraction or nonextraction treatment in borderline cases.