Uprighting of Deeply Impacted Mandibular Second Molars. A Case Report

Eduardo Alvares DAINESI, Guilherme JANSON, José Fernando Castanha HENRIQUES, Márcia Yuri KAWAUCHI, Arnaldo PINZAN

The presence of impacted lower second molars, although less frequent than that of third molars, requires a careful treatment planning. Impaction may result from several factors such as inadequate mandibular growth, orthodontic mechanics, change in the tooth eruption path, inadequate length of the lower arch and large teeth. There are many treatment options to correct this problem such as the surgical repositioning of the second molars, extraction of these teeth associated with transposition of the lower third molars or by simply allowing the lower third molars to erupt in the position of the second molars, after their extractions. However, it has been suggested that the most sound procedure, that causes the least discomfort to the patient is the uprighting of the second molars with digital springs welded to fixed appliances. Therefore this article describes a case in which this procedure was undertaken and discusses its advantages as compared to the other treatment approaches.

Keywords: Impacted teeth. Orthodontics. Second molars. Uprighting teeth.

Sunday, December 29, 2024 00:47