A re-assessment of serial extraction

Serial extraction procedures have been of interest to dentists for many years. This article defines the procedures, explains the rationale, indicates signs of developing disharmony, describes the criteria for suitable cases and explores mixed dentition analysis. It mentions some of the developmental and growth changes that are pertinent, details the extraction sequences, wams of precautions to be observed, outlines some advantages and disadvantages of the procedure and reviews and discusses some of the literature. It concludes that the procedure can no longer be recommended especially if it is not possible to complete the management with competent fixed appliance treatment.