Abstract
Introduction: Anchor loss (AL) is the most common side effect of orthodontic treatment. Anchorage planning is the vital step of every orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of anchor loss of maxillary first permanent molar in early v/s delayed premolar extraction cases treated using fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy.
 Materials & Method: Sixty orthodontic patients, having either Class I or Class II Division 1 malocclusion with no or minimal crowding were divided equally into early extraction and the delayed extraction group (30 each). The patients were treated using MBT prescription 022” slot brackets with standard wire sequencing until 0.019”x 0.025” stainless-steel wire. Pre and post levelling study models were used for assessing the amount of space loss using palatal rugae as a stable point from the points marked on the 1st molar (point A on mesiobuccal cusp and point B on the distobuccal cusp). The obtained data was tabulated and was subjected to statistical t test (p<0.05).
 Result: The distance of point A to the 3rd rugae reduced after treatment by 0.39mm (3.4%) and by 0.48 mm (3.24%) in delayed and early extraction groups respectively. Similarly, the distance from point B was reduced by 0.48 mm (3.24%) and by 1.77mm (6.28%) in delayed and early extraction group respectively. The change in point A and point B in Early extraction cast group was 76% and 71% more respectively than the delayed Extraction cast group. All the findings were statistically significant (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: Anchor loss is an inevitable after effect following premolar extraction. Greater chances of anchor loss in early extraction group is noted. And delaying premolar extraction in cases with mild crowding (<4mm) can effectively help in anchorage preservation.
Highlights
Anchor loss (AL) is the most common side effect of orthodontic treatment
The change in point A and point B in Early extraction cast group was 76% and 71% more respectively than the delayed Extraction cast group
Anchor loss is the mesial movement of molars into the extraction site during orthodontic tooth movement
Summary
Anchor loss (AL) is the most common side effect of orthodontic treatment. Anchorage planning is the vital step of every orthodontic treatment. Anchorage in orthodontics is defined as a way of resisting movement of a tooth or number of teeth by using different techniques. It is an important consideration in the field of orthodontics as is a concept that is considered frequently while correcting malocclusions. Using anchorage to prevent a certain tooth movement becomes important.[1] Anchorage can be used from many different sources such as teeth, bone, implants intraorally or with the help of headgear extra-orally.[2] Anchorage may be best defined as “the resistance which the dentofacial structures offer to change in form or position under an applied force”. It appears preferable to consider anchorage entirely as various degrees of resistance, especially as applied to the teeth, since it is impossible to achieve complete anchorage within the dentures.[3]
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