Orthodontists' and surgeons' opinions on the role of third molars as a cause of dental crowding.

Introduction: Despite a substantial body of literature refuting an association between third molar eruption and crowding of the anterior dentition, the issue continues to be controversial.

Methods: A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontists (n = 393) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (n = 458) regarding the link between third molars and the development of anterior crowding.

Results: A smaller percentage of orthodontists than surgeons believed that maxillary (P <.