Extraction Treatment Using Unilateral Molar Distalization for Lip Protrusion Patient with Asymmetric Molar Relationship

Abstract

An asymmetric molar relationship is challenging to diagnose and plan treatment. This case report describes a successful orthodontic treatment of a 17-year-old female patient with a full-cusp Class II molar relationship on the left side, anterior crowding, and lip protrusion. After extracting the maxillary left second molar, the maxillary left first molar was sufficiently distalized, establishing both Class I molar relationship. The maxillary left third molar successfully replaced the second molar. Lip protrusion was corrected by retracting the anterior teeth after extracting 4 premolars. The patient showed improved facial profile with good occlusion, which maintained well until 3-year retention. When the healthy third molar can replace the second molar, unilateral molar distalization after extracting the second molar could be a viable treatment option to correct severe asymmetric molar relationship.