Orthodontic extractions are common sense in daily clinical practice and their indication is a diagnosis-based procedure. Common extraction protocols generally involve premolars and only in particular cases other teeth, nevertheless restorative issues can induce uncommon extraction protocols in order to eventually sacrifice compromised teeth instead of sound ones. When restorative considerations are part of the inter-disciplinary treatment plan, the extraction of hopeless first molars opens to two possible options: orthodontic space closure vs. prosthetic restoration of the edentulous site. When this scenario develops in the treatment of young adults, the first option has several advantages compared to the second one. The presentation will focus on the benefits of orthodontic treatment following compromised molar extractions, involving space closure and recovery of the wisdom teeth into the final occlusion. Cost/benefit issues, biomechanics and potential problems will be highlighted and discussed.