Intraoral Approaches for Maxillary Molar Distalization: Case Series

Abstract

Correction of Class II malocclusion by distalization of maxillary molars with intraoral appliances is a non-extraction treatment approach, which has been described as an alternative to Head Gear. From the past few years, the procedures have undergone rectification to achieve treatment objective more precisely. This has been made possible by a better understanding of bone physiology, tooth movement, biomechanics and newer biomaterials. Nowadays newer distalizing appliances, like the Jones Jig, Lokar distalizer and Carrière distalizer, have been developed which have compact designs and cause minimal discomfort to the patient. Refinement in these appliances is concentrated mainly on achieving bodily movement of the molar rather than simple tipping. These appliances are also operator friendly as these are easy to insert and remove. The present case series presents the efficacy of these appliances in Class II malocclusion patients with a mean age of 16 years (age range of 15-17 years) that reported with the chief complaint of irregular upper front teeth, since non-extraction approach in correcting Class II malocclusion is gaining a lot of attention.

Keywords

• intraoral distalizers
• malocclusion
• non-extraction