Total arch distalization with interproximal stripping in a patient with severe crowding.

When a patient shows severe crowding, premolar extraction should be considered to provide required available space for alignment. If the third molars have already erupted and demonstrate a poor prognosis, third molar extraction and distalization of the posterior dentition can be used instead of premolar extraction to obtain space. Interproximal stripping (IPS) may also be used to gain space in cases of crowding. This case report describes the treatment of a 25-year-old man with severe crowding and mild lip protrusion. Although the crowding in the lower arch was severe enough to require first premolar extraction, distalization of the entire lower dentition with orthodontic mini-implants, extraction of the lower third molars, and IPS could successfully resolve the crowding and lip protrusion.