Overall treatment outcome achieved during distal movement of the entire maxillary dentition using mini-implants – A single-center analytical observational clinical study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the overall treatment outcome and undesirable side effects during distal movement of the entire maxillary dentition using mini-implants. Methods: Seventeen patients older than fifteen years with a mild-to-moderate arch length/tooth size discrepancy were selected. Leveling and aligning were done with 0.018” x 0.025” passive stainless-steel wire in a 0.022 slot. A 1.2 x 8 mm mini-implant was placed bilaterally at the mucogingival junction between the maxillary second premolar and the maxillary first permanent molar. A 200-gram distalizing force was applied. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were taken prior to distal movement of the maxillary dentition and six months later. Dental casts were assessed using CAD-CAM software. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed. Results: Intrusion of the entire maxillary arch with decreased lower anterior facial height and facial proportion index was noted. The average extent of molar distalization achieved was 1.7 mm, at the rate of 0.29 mm/month. Distal tipping of the maxillary molars by 3.8° and retraction of the maxillary central incisors by 2.3° were observed. No undesirable side effects occurred, such as incisor flaring, extrusion of the molars, or bite opening. Root resorption was present in most cases. Conclusions: The overall treatment outcome of distal movement of the maxillary dentition was good. This method is beneficial for patients with mild/moderate arch length/tooth size discrepancy, especially Class II cases, vertical growers, and patients with end on molar relation. Mild root resorption was noted in the maxillary anterior teeth.