American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

In the context of mixed dentition and incisor crowding, leeway space refers to the additional space created by the difference in size between primary teeth and their permanent successors. This space can effectively accommodate the permanent teeth as they erupt, thus alleviating some of the crowding issues.

Research has indicated that approximately 60% of mixed dentition cases with around 4.85 mm of incisor crowding can be managed through the use of leeway space maintenance. This approach capitalizes on the natural development and eruption patterns of teeth, allowing for better alignment without the immediate need for more invasive orthodontic interventions.

The significance of maintaining leeway space lies in its ability to resolve moderate crowding and facilitate proper tooth alignment as the child grows. It provides an effective strategy for managing mixed dentition issues while potentially minimizing the need for extractions or more aggressive orthodontic treatments that could become necessary if crowding is left unaddressed.