Uprighting molars without extrusion.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic molar uprighting often results in extrusion of the molar, which is not always beneficial. The authors present a strategy for accomplishing molar uprighting without extrusion. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE: The authors review and compare the benefits of molar uprighting with and without extrusion. The helical uprighting spring is probably the most popular appliance used for molar uprighting. It exerts an extrusive force on the molar during uprighting. The authors explain why this appliance produces an extrusive force and present a strategy to modify the appliance so that it can be used to upright without extrusion. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The information presented in this article should help the dental practitioner select a suitable appliance, understand how it works and use it appropriately so that molar uprighting can be achieved without extrusion of the molar.