Comparison of 2 Distalization Systems Supported by Intraosseous Screws

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 distalization systems supported by intraosseous screws for maxillary molar distalization.

Methods: Forty subjects with skeletal Class I dental Class II malocclusion were divided into group 1 (8 girls, 12 boys) and group 2 (11 girls, 9 boys). An anchorage unit was prepared by placing an intraosseous screw in the premaxillary area of each subject. To increase the anchorage in group 2, we used an acrylic plate resembling the Nance button around the screw. The screws were placed and immediately loaded to distalize the maxillary first molars or second molars when they were present. Skeletal and dental changes were measured on cephalograms, and dental casts were obtained before and after distalization.

Results: The average distalization times were 4.6 months for group 1 and 5.4 months for group 2. On the cephalograms, the maxillary first molars were tipped 9.05 degrees in group 1 and 0.75 degrees in group 2. The mean distal movements were 3.95 mm in group 1 and 3.88 mm in group 2. On the dental casts, the mean distalization amounts were 4.85 mm for group 1 and 3.70 mm for group 2. In group 1, the maxillary molars were rotated distopalatally to a moderate degree, but this was not significant in group 2. Mild protrusion of the maxillary central incisors was also recorded for group 1 but not for group 2. However, there were no changes in overjet, overbite, and mandibular plane angle measurements for either group.

Conclusions: Immediately loaded intraosseous screw-supported anchorage units were successful for molar distalization in both groups. In group 2, side effects such as molar tipping and rotation were smaller, but distalization times were longer and hygiene was poorer.