Lower arch crowding in the third decade

Lower arch crowding and dimensions were measured on study models of 46 untreated subjects, 20 male and 26 female, at age 18 years (T1), 21 years (T2), and 28 years (T3), and the changes during the observation periods calculated. Only very small changes, few of them detectable clinically, were found. The findings are discussed in relation to the changes reported in untreated subjects in other age groups and in orthodontically-treated subjects after retention.