Orthodontic uprighting of impacted mandibular second molars

Abstract

Objective To assess the treatment method and outcome of horizontally impacted mandibular second molars.Methods Six patients with mandibular impacted second and third molars,including 8 horizontally impacted mandibular second molars,were treated with fixed appliance in conjunction with molar band soldered with pushing spring. Crowns of horizontally impacted mandibular second molars were moved distally and uprighted after impacted mandibular third molars were extracted.Results All horizontally impacted mandibular second molars were uprighted.Good occlusion and root parallel were also achieved.The panoramic radiographs revealed that uprighted mandibular second molars were surrounded by normal alveolar bone.Mean treatment period was 8.63 months (5 to 14 months).Conclusions The orthodontic molar uprighting technique was effective in uprighting and distalizing the horizontally impacted mandibular second molars. Key words: Impacted tooth; Molar; Orthodontic appliance design; Mandibular