Fabrication and Evaluation of a Noncompliant Molar Distalizing Appliance: Bonded Molar Distalizer

Attempts to treat class II malocclusions without extraction in non-compliantpatients have led to utilization of intraoral molar distalizing appliances. The purpose ofthis study was to investigate dental and skeletal effects of Bonded Molar Distalizer(BMD) which is a simple molar distalizing appliance.Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients (12 girls, four boys) with bilateral half-cuspclass II molar relationship, erupted permanent second molars and normal or verticalgrowth pattern were selected for bilateral distalization of maxillary molars via BMD. Thescrews were activated every other day, alternately. Lateral cephalograms and study modelswere obtained before treatment and after 11 weeks activation of the appliance.Results: Significant amounts of molar distalization, molar distal tipping and anchorageloss were observed. The mean maxillary first molar distal movement was 1.22±0.936 mmwith a distal tipping of 2.97±3.74 degrees in 11 weeks. The rate of distal movement was0.48 mm per month. Reciprocal mesial movement of the first premolars was 2.26±1.12mm with a mesial tipping of 4.25±3.12 degrees. Maxillary incisors moved 3.55±1.46 mmand tipped 9.87±5.03 degrees mesially. Lower anterior face height (LAFH) decreased1.28±1.36 mm.Conclusion: BMD is appropriate for distalizing maxillary molars, especially in patientswith critical LAFH, although significant amounts of anchorage loss occur using this appliance.