Maxillary molar distalization using Pend-X appliance: a prospective cephalometric study

Eduardo César Almada SANTOS, Omar Gabriel da SILVA FILHO, Patrícia Maria Pizzo REIS, Francisco Antônio BERTOZ

The upper molar distalization is a challenge in the Class II malocclusion correction in treatments without dental extraction and without mandibular advance. There is a search for appliances that replace the extrabuccal traction (AEB) and do not require patient cooperation, that stimulate the orthodontists to test the alternative methods related in the literature. Among these, we see the Hilgers’ Pendulum and Pend-X appliances. Aim: The realization of this research has the aim to evaluate, through the cephalometry, the effects of the Pend-X appliance applied in the end of the mixed dentition and in the permanent too. Methods: The sample consisted of 14 patients with bilateral Class II malocclusion and with mean age of 11 years and 3 months old. Two teleradiographies were taken in the lateral norm, one was correspondent to the beginning of the treatment and the other one after approximately 5 months, when the molars relation were overcorrected. Results: After the determination and measurement of angular and linear cephalometry quantities and the statistical analysis (Student’s t tests) could one to conclude that the effects of the Pend-X appliance were predominantly dental: first molars crown distalization in a mean speed of 0.8mm/month and superior incisive vestibularization with overjet increase. Conclusion: So, when there is indication to molars distalization, we have to analyse the involved factors to elect, with prudence, the most adequated therapeutic solution with the individual and professional exigencies.

Keywords: Orthodontic appliances. Angle Class II malocclusion. Orthodontics interceptative.

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