Maxillary molar distalization with a bone-anchored pendulum appliance

To obtain an effective and compliance-free molar distalization without an anchorage loss, we designed the bone-anchored pendulum appliance (BAPA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of the anchoring screw, distalization of the maxillary molars, and the movement of teeth anterior to maxillary first molars. The study group comprised 10 patients (mean age 13.5 +/- 1.8 years) with Class II molar relationship. A conventional pendulum appliance was modified to obtain anchorage from an intraosseous screw instead of the premolars. The screw was placed in the anterior paramedian region of the median palatal suture. Skeletal and dental changes were measured on cephalograms, and dental casts were obtained before and after distalization. A super Class I molar relationship was achieved in a mean period of 7.0 +/- 1.8 months. The maxillary first molars distalized an average of 6.4 +/- 1.3 mm in the region of the dental crown by tipping distally an average of 10.9 degrees +/- 2.8 degrees . Also, the maxillary second premolar and first premolar moved distally an average of 5.4 +/- 1.3 mm and 3.8 +/- 1.1 mm, respectively. The premolars tipped significantly distally. No anterior incisor movement was detected. The BAPA was found to be an effective, minimally invasive, and compliance-free intraoral distalization appliance for achieving both molar and premolar distalization without any anchorage loss.     

上颌第二磨牙萌出对“摆”式矫治器远中移动上颌磨牙疗效的影响

目的研究上颌第二磨牙不同萌出阶段对”摆”式矫治器远中移动上颌磨牙疗效的影响。方法选择上颌牙列轻中度拥挤，磨牙远中关系的病例25例。根据上颌第二磨牙萌出情况分为未萌组（15例）和萌出组（10例）。采用“摆”式矫治器远中移动上颌磨牙。以X线头影测量分析为测定手段。结果①两组的磨牙远中移动距离无显著差异。②未萌组的上颌第一磨牙远中倾斜要大于萌出组，但未萌组的上颌第二磨牙远中倾斜要小于萌出组。③萌出组的上颌第一磨牙相对伸长较多。④上颌中切牙唇向倾斜移动量和前牙覆盖增加量在萌出组较大。结论①萌出的上颌第二磨牙对上颌磨牙远中移动无明显影响。②上颌第二磨牙萌出与否对磨牙远中倾斜有较大影响。③萌出的上颌第二磨牙造成较多支抗丧失。④上颌第二磨牙萌出者在治疗后其上颌第一磨牙伸长较多。     

Evaluation of maxillary molar distalization with the distal jet: a comparison with other contemporary methods

Maxillary molar distalization is an increasingly popular option for the resolution of Class II malocclusions. This communication describes the effects of one particular molar distalizing appliance, the distal jet, in a sample of 20 consecutively treated and growing subjects (11 females, nine males; mean starting age of 13) and compares these effects with those of similar devices. Pre- and postdistalization cephalometric radiographs and dental models were analyzed to determine the dental and skeletal effects. The distal jet appliances were constructed using a biomechanical couple to direct the distalizing force to the level of the maxillary first molar's center of resistance. The distal jet was the only appliance used during the distalization phase of treatment. Examination of the cephalometric tracings demonstrated that the crowns of the maxillary first molars were distalized an average of 3.2 mm into a Class I molar relationship. In the process, the first molars were tipped distally an average of 3.1 degrees, however, the amount of tipping in each case was influenced by the state of eruption of the second molar. In subjects whose second molars had erupted only to the level of the apical third of the first molar roots, distal tipping was almost twice that seen when the second molar had completed their eruption. Anchorage loss measured at the first premolars averaged 1.3 mm, but the crowns tipped 3.1 degrees distally because of the design of the appliance. The maxillary incisors were proclined an average of 0.6 degrees with minimal effect on the mandibular plane angle and lower facial height. This study suggests that the distal jet appliance effectively moves the maxillary molars distally into a Class I molar relationship with minimal distal tipping, however, some loss of anchorage is to be expected during this process. The distal jet appliance compares favorably with other intraoral distalization devices and with mechanics featuring mandibular protraction for the resolution of patients with Class II, despite the fact that these types of mechanics address different jaws.     

Anchorage quality of deciduous molars versus premolars for molar distalization with a pendulum appliance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess dental anchorage qualities when the pendulum appliance is used for distal molar movement. MATERIAL: Thirty adolescents in various dentition stages received a modified pendulum appliance with a distal screw and a specially preactivated pendulum spring for bilateral molar distalization in the maxilla. The subjects were subcategorized into 3 groups of 10 according to the dental anchorage used: deciduous molars, premolars and deciduous molars, or only premolars. Dentoalveolar effects and side effects in the anchorage unit and in the molar area were determined by cephalometric analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the measurements showed significant differences between groups in the extent of molar distalization and the resulting incisor protrusion. Distal tipping of the 6-year molars was significantly less severe (2.3 degrees +/- 1.58 degrees to the palatal plane and 2.55 degrees +/- 1.52 degrees to the anterior cranial base) in patients with premolar anchorage than in those with deciduous molar anchorage (6.15 degrees +/- 3.42 degrees and 6.35 degrees +/- 3.46 degrees ). Incisor protrusion was significantly more pronounced in patients with deciduous molar anchorage (2.75 +/- 1.4 mm) than in the other 2 groups (1.65 +/- 0.82 mm, mixed deciduous molar and premolar anchorage, and 1.75 +/- 0.75 mm, premolar anchorage). Additionally, incisor protrusion was translatory compared with controlled tipping in subjects with deciduous molar anchorage or premolar and deciduous molar anchorage. CONCLUSIONS: Deciduous molars and premolars can be used for anchorage for molar distalization with a pendulum appliance; however, anchorage with premolars only results in the least pronounced dentoalveolar side effects. The anchorage quality of deciduous molar and mixed deciduous molar/premolar anchorage is limited.     

摆形矫治器用于安氏Ⅱ类Ⅰ分类错(牙合)畸形对上颌牙列和骨骼的影响

目的 采用摆形矫治器对上颌磨牙远中移动的同时,观察对上颌前牙及双尖牙的副影响。方法 在临床上收集12名患者,男4名,女8名,平均年龄11.1岁,患者均为安氏Ⅱ类Ⅰ分类错(牙合)畸形,非拔牙矫治,均使用摆形矫治器远中移动磨牙来纠正Ⅱ类磨牙关系为Ⅰ类磨牙关系,牙弓内获得足够的间隙。比较治疗前后的头影测量片。结果 上颌磨牙远中倾斜8.34°(SD=8.37°),远中移动3.37mm(SD=2.10mm);上颌切牙移动2.4mm(SD=4.57);(牙合)平面向前上倾斜1.09°(SD=1.76°);下面高(ANS-Me)增加2.79mm(SD=2.03mm)。结论对摆形矫治器远中移动磨牙的疗效是肯定的,但是在治疗过程中,支抗的丧失,上颌切牙的唇倾、前牙覆(牙合)覆盖增加以及下面高的增加是治疗的副影响,而且磨牙远中移动的过程中,伴有牙冠较大量的远中倾斜。因此,提醒临床医生在使用类似的矫治器时应慎重。     

Effects of a three-dimensional bimetric maxillary distalizing arch

This study aimed to investigate the dental effects of a three-dimensional (3D) bimetric maxillary distalizing arch. The Wilson rapid molar distalization appliance for Class II molar correction was used in 14 patients (10 girls and four boys with a mean age of 12.18 years). The open coil springs were activated with bent Omega stops and Class II intermaxillary elastics. The mandibular anchorage was gained by a 0.016 x 0.016 utility arch with a 3D lingual arch or a lip bumper with a standard lingual arch. The lateral cephalograms taken before and after treatment formed the material of the research. A Wilcoxon test was used to statistically evaluate the treatment effects. The results showed that the distal tipping of the maxillary first and second molars, and first and second premolars and canines were statistically significant. Significant distal movement occurred in all posterior and canine teeth. The maxillary first molar distalization was found to be 3.5 mm. The maxillary incisor showed significant proclination and protrusion. The decrease in overbite was found to be statistically significant. The mandibular plane angle significantly increased by a mean of 0.5 mm. In addition, significant soft tissue changes were observed.     

钟摆矫治器联合颊侧推簧远移磨牙的疗效分析

目的：评价钟摆矫治器联合颊侧推簧远移磨牙的疗效.方法：选择40例牙性安氏Ⅱ类错（牙合）畸形的患者,随机均分为两组：钟摆矫治器联合颊侧推簧远移磨牙组（组1）和头帽口外弓远移磨牙组（组2）,在治疗开始前（T0）和远移磨牙完成时（T1）分别拍摄侧位头影定位片进行头影测量,t检验分析组内和组间的差异.结果：组1和组2远移磨牙的平均距离分别是（4.48±1.63） mm、（2.68±1.71） mm;组1和组2磨牙远中倾斜的平均角度分别是5.46°±3.23°、1.02°±2.16°;组1上颌中切牙未发生明显的唇倾和唇向移位,而组2上颌中切牙发生了较为明显的腭侧移位.结论：钟摆矫治器联合颊侧推簧远移磨牙可有效防止前牙支抗的丧失、控制磨牙的近中颊侧旋转.     

利用种植体支抗远移下颌磨牙的效果评价

目的：研究安氏Ⅲ类错患者中,采用微型种植体作支抗,远移下颌磨牙的临床效果及其作用特点。方法：选择16例成人患者,将32枚微型种植体植于下颌第二前磨牙与第一磨牙之间颊侧牙槽骨内,Ni-Ti螺旋弹簧压缩后置于下颌第一前磨牙与下颌第一磨牙之间,推磨牙远移。通过测量下颌第一磨牙在近远中方向、垂直向的位置变化,以衡量磨牙的位置改变。并通过下颌中切牙的位置变化,评价支抗强弱。结果：下颌第一磨牙平均远中移动4.5mm,疗程5.4个月,平均移动速度0.8mm/月;磨牙长轴向远中倾斜角度为3.9°。下颌中切牙位置基本无改变。结论：所有下颌磨牙被远移到了恰当的位置。未见前牙支抗丧失。种植体作支抗推下颌磨牙远移的过程中,发挥了强支抗的作用。临床操作较方便,是一种值得推广的方法。     

Posttreatment evaluation of the distal jet appliance.

This study analyzed molar distalization with the distal jet appliance, its effect on the anchor teeth, and the outcome at the completion of orthodontic treatment. Pretreatment, after distalization, and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs were evaluated for 21 adolescent girls and 12 adolescent boys. The mean age of the subjects at the time of the pretreatment radiograph was 12.8 +/- 2.2 years. The mean time for the correction of the Class II molar relationship was 6.7 +/- 1.7 months, and the mean total treatment time was 25.7 +/- 3.9 months. The results of this study showed that the distal jet appliance distalized the maxillary molars, but there was significant loss of anchorage. The distal jet also showed less tipping of the maxillary molars and better bodily movement of molars because the force was applied closer to the center of resistance. The observations of treatment outcome indicate that the 1.8-mm mean net anterior movement of the maxillary first molar was more than offset by the 4.8-mm mesial movement of the mandibular first molar. There was no significant increase in lower face height. Consequently the effect on the facial balance was negligible.     

Pendulum and modified pendulum appliances for maxillary molar distalization in Class II malocclusion – a systematic review

Objective: The main purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the quantitative effects of the pendulum appliance and modified pendulum appliances for maxillary molar distalization in Class II malocclusion.

Materials and methods: Our systematic search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Scopus and key journals and review articles; the date of the last search was 30 January 2017. We graded the methodological quality of the studies by means of the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, developed for the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP).

Results: In total, 203 studies were identified for screening, and 25 studies were eligible. The quality assessment rated four (16%) of the study as being of strong quality and 21 (84%) of these studies as being of moderate quality. The pendulum appliances showed mean molar distalization of 2–6.4?mm, distal tipping of molars from 6.67° to 14.50° and anchorage loss with mean premolar and incisor mesial movement of 1.63–3.6?mm and 0.9–6.5?mm, respectively. The bone anchored pendulum appliances (BAPAs) showed mean molar distalization of 4.8–6.4?mm, distal tipping of molars from 9° to 11.3° and mean premolar distalization of 2.7–5.4?mm.

Conclusions: Pendulum and modified pendulum appliances are effective in molar distalization. Pendulum appliance with K-loop modification, implant supported pendulum appliance and BAPA significantly reduced anchorage loss of the anterior teeth and distal tipping of the molar teeth.     

Dentoskeletal effects induced by rapid molar distalization with the first class appliance.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment effects of the first class appliance (FCA; Leone, Firenze, Italy), a new intraoral device for unilateral or bilateral rapid molar distalizaton. A retrospective study was conducted to compare the predistalization and postdistalization cephalograms of 17 patients (10 male, 7 female) with Class II malocclusions treated with the FCA. Mean age at the start of treatment was 13 years 4 months. The FCA produced rapid molar distalization, and the bilateral Class II molar relationship was corrected in 2.4 months, on average. Maxillary molar distalization contributed to 70% of the space created anterior to the first molars; 30% of the space was due to reciprocal anchorage loss of the maxillary second premolars. The maxillary first molars showed a significant distalization of 4.0 mm, associated with a significant distal axial incline of 4.6 degrees and a significant extrusion of 1.2 mm. As for anchorage loss, the second premolars exhibited a significant mesial movement of 1.7 mm, associated with a significant mesial axial incline of 2.2 degrees and a nonsignificant extrusion of 1.0 mm. In the anterior region, a significant mesial movement of the maxillary incisor of 1.3 mm was associated with a significant incisor proclination (2.6 degrees ) and a significant increase in overjet (1.2 mm). No significant changes in either sagittal or vertical skeletal relationships were observed. The results suggest that the FCA is an efficient and reliable device for distalizing the maxillary permanent first molars.     

A comparison of two intraoral molar distalization appliances: distal jet versus pendulum.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the dentoalveolar and skeletal effects on Class II malocclusions of the distal jet with concurrent full fixed appliances and the pendulum appliance both followed by fixed appliances. METHODS: The 2 samples each consisted of 32 subjects (19 girls and 13 boys) with mean ages at the start of treatment of 12 years 3 months in the distal jet group and 12 years 6 months in the pendulum group. The durations of the distalization phase of treatment were 10 months in the distal jet group and 7 months in the pendulum group, and the durations of the second phase of treatment with fixed appliances were 18 months in the distal jet group and 24 months in the pendulum group. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed at 3 observation times: before treatment, after distalization, and after orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: During molar distalization, the pendulum subjects showed significantly more distal molar movement and significantly less anchorage loss at both the premolars and the maxillary incisors than the distal jet subjects. The distal jet used simultaneously with fixed appliances and the pendulum were equal in their ability to move the molars bodily. Very little change occurred in the inclination of the mandibular plane at the end of the 2-phase treatment (less than 1 degrees ) in both groups. At the end of comprehensive treatment, the maxillary first molars were 0.6 mm mesial to their original positions in the distal jet group and 0.5 mm distal in the pendulum group. Nevertheless, total molar correction was identical in the 2 groups (3.0 mm), and both appliances were equally effective in achieving a Class I molar relationship. Simultaneous edgewise orthodontic treatment during molar distalization in the distal jet group shortened the overall treatment time but produced significant flaring of both maxillary and mandibular incisors at the end of treatment. The impact on the soft tissue profile was minimal with both appliances.     

Efficiency of a pendulum appliance for molar distalization related to second and third molar eruption stage.

A modified pendulum appliance, including a distal screw and special preactivated pendulum springs (built-in straightening activation and toe-in bending), was used for bilateral maxillary molar distalization in 36 adolescent patients in various stages of the molar dentition. The patients were divided into 3 groups (PG 1-3) according to the stage of eruption of their second and third molars. In PG 1 (18 patients), eruption of the second molars had either not yet taken place or was not complete. In PG 2 (15 patients), the second molars had already developed as far as the occlusal plane, with the third molars at the budding stage. In PG 3 (3 patients), germectomy of the wisdom teeth had been carried out, and the first and second molars on both sides had completely erupted. Analysis of cephalograms to identify any changes in the sagittal plane showed that, in the direction of distalization, a tooth bud acts on the mesial neighboring tooth like a fulcrum, and that tipping of the first molars in patients in whom the second molar was still at the budding stage was thus greater. In patients whose second molars had erupted completely, the degree of tipping was greater again when a third molar bud was located in the direction of movement. After previously completed germectomy of the wisdom teeth, almost exclusively bodily distalization of both molars is possible, even without bands being applied to the second molars. However, if the first and second molars are distalized simultaneously with a pendulum appliance, the duration of therapy will be longer, greater forces will have to be applied, and more anchorage will be lost. Statistical analysis of the results of dental-angular measurements showed significant differences in the degree of molar tipping and reciprocal incisor protrusion. The degree of distal tipping of first molars was less in patients with erupted second molars (PG 2 and PG 3) than in those whose second molars were not yet erupted (PG 1). For instance, the measured angles were 0.9 degrees +/- 3.43 degrees (to the palatal plane) and 0.8 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees (to the anterior cranium floor) in PG 2, and -0.33 degrees +/- 0.58 degrees and 0.67 degrees +/- 2.08 degrees, respectively, in PG 3, contrasting with respective values of 5.89 degrees +/- 3.74 degrees and 5.36 degrees +/- 3.49 degrees in PG 1. Tipping of erupted second molars was much more marked in PG 2 (7.92 degrees +/- 5.83 degrees to the palatal plane and 7.55 degrees +/- 5.28 degrees to the anterior cranium floor), but much less pronounced in PG 3 (2 degrees +/- 1.73 degrees to the palatal plane and 2 degrees +/- 2 degrees to the anterior cranium floor) than the corresponding movement of the second budding-stage molars in PG 1 (4.06 degrees +/- 2.15 degrees and 3.97 degrees +/- 2.27 degrees, respectively). The degree of incisor protrusion occurring reciprocally with molar distalization was much less in these patients (measured angles of 3.28 degrees +/- 1.97 degrees and 2.89 degrees +/- 2.17 degrees to the palatal plane and anterior cranium floor, respectively) than in the patients presenting different stages of the dentition (angles of 5.5 degrees +/- 3.33 degrees and 6.03 degrees +/- 4.29 degrees, respectively, in PG 2, and angles of 5.5 degrees +/- 3.28 degrees and 6.67 degrees +/- 3.09 degrees, respectively, in PG 3). Moreover, measurement of dental casts in the horizontal plane showed not only the targeted mesiobuccal rotation of both maxillary molars, but also a vestibular drift of the unbanded second molars.     

Anchorage provided during intra-arch distal molar movement: a comparison between the Nance appliance and a fixed frontal bite plane

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate and compare the anchorage provided with the Nance appliance (NA) and the fixed frontal bite plane (FBP) during intra-arch distal molar movement. After a sample size calculation, 20 patients were recruited and randomly selected for each group from patients who fulfilled the following criteria: use of an intra-arch Ni-Ti coil appliance with either NA or FBP to provide anchorage during a six-month molar distalization period, no orthodontic treatment before molar distalization, and first and second maxillary molars in occlusion. The outcome measures assessed were anchorage loss, ie, anterior movement of maxillary central incisors, distal movement of maxillary molars, and bite opening effect. The mean age in the NA group was 14.7 years (SD 1.09) and in the FBP group 15.0 years (SD 0.99). The data revealed that the maxillary central incisors moved anteriorly 1.4 mm in the NA group and 1.9 mm in the FBP group. The difference in anchorage loss was not significant. The mean amount of molar distalization within the maxilla was 1.7 mm in the NA group and 1.8 mm in the FBP group. In both groups, the overbite was significantly reduced and the overbite was decreased significantly more in the FBP group. Because neither the NA nor FBP provided stable anchorage, a second treatment phase is recommended to reverse the anchorage loss after distal molar movement. If molar distalization is planned in deep bite cases, the FBP is the anchorage system of choice.     

改良式摆型矫治器远中移动上颌磨牙的疗效分析

目的 评价改良式摆型矫治器远中移动上颌磨牙的疗效。方法 选择14例牙性安氏Ⅱ类错的患者,应用改良式摆型矫治器远移上颌第一磨牙,通过矫治前和磨牙远移到位后的X线头影测量分析评价其疗效。结果 磨牙平均向远中移动3.85mm,牙冠远中倾斜3.22°;切牙近中倾斜移动2.08mm,覆盖增加1.68mm。结论 改良式摆型矫治器能有效地整体远中移动上颌磨牙,快速矫正磨牙关系,但也会引起少量的支抗丧失和切牙唇向移动。     

Effetti dentoscheletrici di un dispositivo intraorale per la distalizzazione dei molari e confronto sistematico con apparecchi alternativi

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects produced by an intraoral appliance for the unilateral or bilateral distalization of the upper first molars.

Materials and methods

We analyzed the pre- and post-distalization cephalometric films of 17 patients (10 males and 7 females) with class II malocclusion treated with the First Class appliance. The mean age at the start of treatment was 13 years and 4 months. Bilateral class II molar relationships were corrected within 2.4 months on average.

Results

Seventy percent of the space created anterior to the first molars was the result of maxillary molar distalization; the remaining 30% was due to reciprocal loss of anchorage by the maxillary second premolars. The maxillary first molars showed significant distalization of 4.0 mm, associated with a significant distal inclination of 4.6 degrees and a significant extrusion of 1.2 mm. As for loss of anchorage, the second premolars exhibited significant mesial movement of 1.7 mm and significant mesial inclination of 2.2 degrees. In the anterior region, significant mesial movement of the maxillary incisors of 1.3 mm was associated with significant incisor proclination (2.6 degrees) and a significant increase in the overjet (1.2 mm). No significant changes in either sagittal or vertical skeletal relationships were observed.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the intraoral appliance can produce efficient distalization of the maxillary permanent first molars comparable to that offered by other intraoral distalization devices.     

Unilateral molar distalization with a modified slider

Although there are numerous publications on bilateral non-compliance molar distalization appliances, there is limited information on problems such as asymmetrical unilateral Class II malocclusions. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the distalization of molars unilaterally in patients with a unilateral Class II molar relationship utilizing a Keles Slider, designed without a bite plane. Ten girls (mean age 13.94 +/- 2.13 years) and seven boys (mean age 13.12 +/- 1.51 years) comprised the study material. Following insertion of the appliance, the patients were seen monthly and the screw was reactivated every 2 months. After a super-Class I molar relationship was achieved, the appliance was removed and the molars were stabilized with a Nance appliance for 2 months before the second-phase of orthodontic treatment. The Nance appliance was maintained in the palate until the end of canine distalization. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained before and immediately after insertion of the molar distalizer. The results showed that the maxillary first molars were distalized bodily on average by 2.85 mm. The maxillary first premolars moved forward bodily 2 mm and were extruded 2.03 mm. In all, 1.32 mm of protrusion, 1.12 mm of extrusion, and 1.79 degrees of proclination of the upper incisors were observed. The mandibular incisors and mandibular molars erupted 0.83 and 0.95 mm, respectively. The unilateral Keles Slider distalized molars successfully to a Class I molar relationship.     

Cephalometric Changes following Simultaneous First and Second Maxillary Molar Distalization Using a Non-Compliance Intraoral Appliance

AIM: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the dentoalveolar, skeletal and soft tissue changes induced by a modified minimal-compliance intraoral appliance following the simultaneous distalization of first and second maxillary molars. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 14 patients with a mean age of 13.4 years treated by one clinician. In all cases a bilateral Class II molar relationship was corrected to Class I in a mean treatment period of 16.5 weeks. Lateral cephalometric analysis of the sample was based on the radiographs taken before and immediately after treatment with the appliance. The mean maxillary first molar distal movement was 1.4 mm, accompanied by a mean distal tipping of 6.8 degrees. The vertical change in molar position was insignificant. The anchorage unit was unable to completely resist the reciprocal mesial force of the activated coil spring. The second premolars were moved mesially by a mean 2.6 mm and tipped by a mean 4.1 degrees without significant extrusion. The mean increase in overjet was 0.9 mm, and the mean decrease in overbite 1.0 mm. RESULTS: The results of this study have shown that the presented intraoral appliance is an effective and reliable means of distalizing first and second maxillary molars simultaneously without the need for patient compliance. Appliance effects are limited primarily to the dentoalveolar structures. Mesial movement and slight protrusion of the anchorage unit have to be taken seriously into consideration during intraoral distalization.     

Initial intrusion of the molars in the treatment of anterior open bite malocclusions in growing patients

The treatment of the hyperdivergent phenotype and/or anterior openbite is one of the common problems facing orthodontists. The purpose of this study is to present a new appliance (Molar Intruder) for molar intrusion and to determine its effects in the treatment of anterior openbite. The study group comprised 14 patients (eight girls and six boys), with a mean age of 10 years and 7 months. All presented anterior open bite malocclusions between the second premolars. The study was carried out on lateral head films taken before (T1) and after (T2) molar intrusion. Periapical radiographs, study models, and standard photographs of all the patients were also obtained before and after molar intrusion. The paired sample t-test was used to determine the differences between the parameters. The average treatment time with the Molar Intruder was five months. The mean intrusion of maxillary and mandibular molars was 1.86 mm and 1.04 mm, respectively. Maxillary incisors extruded 0.54 mm with a labial tipping of 1.46 degrees and overbite increased by 4.00 mm. The mandibular plane angle was decreased by 1.57 degrees, and the anterior face height was decreased by 1.86 mm on average. The mandible showed a counterclockwise rotation, the chin moved forward, and the posterior facial height/anterior facial height ratio was increased. Anterior openbites of the patients were significantly rehabilitated at the end of the intrusion period, simplifying further orthodontic treatment.     

A new approach in maxillary molar distalization: intraoral bodily molar distalizer.

The objectives of our study were to achieve bodily molar distalization, avoid distal tipping of molars, eliminate the need for patient cooperation (no headgear, no elastics, and no esthetic and social concern), and finally to minimize the treatment period and maximize the treatment efficiency. The study was carried out on 5 males and 10 females, a total of 15 patients. Mean age for the study group was 13.53 years. Dentally, all the patients had Class II molar relationship on both sides. The patients were in permanent dentition, second molars were erupted, and the lower dental arch was well aligned. Patients showed normal or sagittally directed growth pattern. Lateral cephalograms and study models were taken and analyzed before and after molar distalization. In the present study, in order to achieve maxillary molar distalization, a new intraoral appliance was developed. The intraoral bodily molar distalizer (IBMB) was composed of 2 parts: the anchorage unit and the distalizing unit. The anchorage unit was a wide Nance button, and the active unit consisted of distalizing springs. The springs had 2 components: the distalizer section of the spring applied a crown tipping force, while the uprighting section of the spring applied a root uprighting force on the first molars. A total of 230 g of distalizing force was used on both sides. After the distal movement of the first molars, the cephalometric results of 15 patients showed the following. Maxillary first molars were moved distally by an average of 5.23 mm (P <.001) without tipping or extrusion. Maxillary first premolars were moved 4.33 mm mesially (P <.001), tipped 2.73 degrees distally (P <.05), and extruded by 3.33 mm (P <.001). Maxillary central incisors were proclined by an average of 4.7 mm (P <.001) and tipped 6.73 degrees labially (P <.01). Model analysis showed that maxillary first molars were not rotated, and intermolar distance did not change after distal movement of molars. In conclusion, unlike most of the other molar distalization mechanics, this newly developed device achieved (1) bodily distal movement of maxillary molars and (2) eliminated dependence on patient cooperation and did not require headgear wear for molar root uprighting.