Should primary canines be extracted simply to straighten crowded permanent incisors?
No. Complete space analysis and a short- and long-term orthodontic plan first.
- Alignment may improve at the cost of arch length; reported loss reaches 2.7 mm.
- Some lower-incisor crowding self-corrects, but variability is substantial and some worsens.
- Consider leeway-space preservation/holding arches and the full facial, dental, and skeletal diagnosis.