Maxillary total arch distalization with infra-zygomatic crest (IZC) bone screws for the correction of skeletal class II malocclusion: A case report

Abstract

The correction of skeletal malocclusions in orthodontics has always been a contest for clinicians, especially in non-growing individuals, and often necessitates the distalization of maxillary or mandibular skeletal bases. To accomplish this, diverse treatment modalities have been employed by researchers, and the most recent one is the use of extra-alveolar bone screws such as Infra-zygomatic Crest (IZC) implants. Unlike conventional methods such as extraction and orthognathic surgery, this technique is an effective and efficient treatment alternative for predictable total arch distalization in borderline surgical cases, without interfering with the root movements and with minimal dependence on patient compliance. For achieving the displacement of teeth in a bodily controlled manner, an appropriate direction and magnitude of force must be carefully chosen. Therefore, this case report attempts to measure the amount and pattern of maxillary molar distalization using Infra-zygomatic Crest (IZC) implants with long power arms as a workable treatment option, in an 18-year-old female patient with a skeletal Class II pattern, with no extra mini-implants in the anterior region for intrusion.