Effects of a segmented removable appliance in molar distalization

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar treatment effects of a segmented removable appliance [removable molar distalizer (RMD)] for molar distalization. The study was conducted on 28 patients (12 females and 16 males), with a mean age of 11.8 years. All presented with a skeletal Class I malocclusion and a bilateral dental Class II molar relationship. The pre- and post-distalization records included lateral head films, study models and standard photographs. The findings were evaluated with a paired samples t-test. The average maxillary first molar distalization with the RMD was 3.98 mm, with 4.61 degrees of distal tipping. The maxillary second premolars drifted distally 2.13 mm on average with 1.54 degrees of distal tipping, while the maxillary first premolars showed 1.23 mm of mesial movement and 1.98 degrees of mesial tipping. The incisors protruded 1.09 mm with 1.27 degrees of labial tipping. The RMD was effective in distal molar movement and all patients attained a bilateral Class I molar relationship in an average period of 4.5 months. Hygiene problems and mucosal irritations, frequently found with fixed intraoral distalization techniques, were not observed during the distalization period.