OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to make a comparison between extraction and non-extraction orthodontic treatment results concerning teeth alignment, occlusal relation, facial profile and treatment interval.

METHODS39 extraction-non-extraction borderline cases were selected by 5 orthodontic specialists through reviewing their pre-treatment records. 5 specialists were then asked to rank the results by marking the post-treatment record of each case. And then the samples were divided into different groups according to extraction, non-extraction and extraction pattern by reviewing case history.

RESULTSNo statistically significant difference was found in teeth alignment, overbite and overjet, midline symmetry, lateral occlusal relation and treatment intervals. However, the post-treatment facial profile of extraction groups obtained higher marks from 5 specialists (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONWhile both extraction and non-extraction treatment can achieve comparable results in teeth alignment and occlusal relation with equivalent time interval in borderline cases, extraction treatment, whatever extraction of four first premolars or second premolars is performed, can achieve better facial profile.