A Case Treated with Maxillary Molar Distalization through the Maxillary Sinus: Three-Dimensional Assessment with a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Superimposition

Abstract

In this report, we describe a successful orthodontic treatment through the maxillary sinus and show the utility of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for this procedure. A 20-year-old man with Class I molar relationships and crowding of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth came to us to improve his malocclusion. Maxillary molar distalization was necessary to reduce the crowding of the teeth. This was achieved by the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and the uprighting of the mandibular molars. However, several roots of the maxillary molars protruded into the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus is a known barrier to orthodontic tooth movement, leading to root resorption and/or tipping movement. We aimed to distalize the maxillary molars through the maxillary sinus by bodily movement. The findings were three-dimensionally confirmed by using the superimposition of CBCT obtained before and after the treatment.

Keywords

• maxillary molar distalization
• temporary anchorage devices
• CBCT superimposition
• maxillary sinus