Fixing Class 2 / Class 3 Mixed Dentition Cases with E Space or Leeway

When it comes to orthodontics for general dentists, one of the most often overlooked factors is how the age of the patient can impact their optimal treatment approach. However, as a professional dental consultant team, we here at Straight Smile Solutions are on hand to help you learn more about how to approach and fix mild class 2 or 3 cases in mixed dentition patients with leeway or e space.

When Can Class 2 and 3 Cases Be Fixed Through E Space or Leeway?

If you notice that a mixed dentition patient has a small amount of overjet in their bite, failing to take action to resolve this challenge may result in the patient struggling overall.

When premolars come in after losing the E teeth, the size difference can have numerous challenges for patients. This results in a leeway space differential – otherwise known as the e space differential. This usually accounts for around 1.5mm to 2mm per tooth.

In many cases, this can resolve itself naturally. However, if you find that you’re struggling with a slight class 2, adding an anchorage on the top of the molars can make a significant difference. This serves to brace the teeth, preventing sliding and roughly creating around 1.5mm of extra space.

With slight class 3 cases, the optimal treatment plan for a dentist consultant to try is to put a lingual arch, which allows a little more room around the lower 5s. Down the line, you may be able to also use this with braces if needed to finish the full case.

However, before taking any steps, it can be valuable to take a CEPH first to ensure this is the right treatment approach for your patient – for example, check that they’re not going to need maxillary advancement.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, working out when a dental consultant can fix class 2 and class 3 cases using e space or leeway isn’t always easy. However, as a general rule of thumb, these cases are usually possible when a patient is between nine and ten years of age.