Late lower arch crowding: facial growth or forward drift?

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Abstract
Summary. The development of lower arch crowding in the middle or late teens is a common orthodontic problem. Some orthodontists believe that such crowding is caused by pressure from a developing lower third molar, others seek to explain its development by growth changes in the incisor region. Records of a group of 51 subjects with bilateral lower third molars and intact lower arches were examined at age 13 years and again at age 18 years. A correlation analysis of various changes including lower arch crowding, position of the lower first permanent molar and angular and linear positions of the lower incisors was performed. Some evidence emerged to support the theory that pressure from behind resulting in forward movement of the lower first permanent molar was related to increased lower arch crowding. The findings did not support the idea that angular or linear changes in lower incisor position were the cause of increased lower arch crowding.

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