[The decision to extract in orthodontics].

Serial extractions of premolars are submitted, in the present state of the contemporary orthodontics, in opposition to the non-extraction treatments (maxillary expansion, molar distancing...). The choice depends on many parameters including the severity and the nature of the malocclusion, the age and the morphological type of the patient and also the "orthodontic philosophy" relating to the techniques used by each orthodontist. The indications and contraindications of these teeth removals are explained showing the benefits and the disadvantages in different cases. "Orthodontics extractions" of other teeth (2nd bicuspid, 1st and 2nd molar, incisor) are also discussed.