Distal movement of mandibular molars in adult patients with the skeletal anchorage system.

The skeletal anchorage system (SAS) consists of titanium anchor plates and monocortical screws that are temporarily placed in either the maxilla or the mandible, or in both, as absolute orthodontic anchorage units. Distalization of the molars has been one of the most difficult biomechanical problems in traditional orthodontics, particularly in adults and in the mandible. However, it has now become possible to move molars distally with the SAS to correct anterior crossbites, maxillary dental protrusion, crowding, and dental asymmetries without having to extract premolars. This study evaluated the treatment and posttreatment changes during and after distalization of the mandibular molars. In 15 adult patients (12 women and 3 men), a total of 29 mandibular molars were successfully distalized with SAS. The amount of distalization and relapse and the type of tooth movement were analyzed with cephalometric radiographs and dental casts. The average amount of distalization of the mandibular first molars was 3.5 mm at the crown level and 1.8 mm at the root level. The average amount of relapse was 0.3 mm at both the crown and root apex levels. Of 29 mandibular molars, 9 were tipped back, and the others were translated distally in accordance with the established treatment goals. SAS is a viable modality to move mandibular molars for distally correcting anterior crossbites, malocclusions characterized by mandibular anterior crowding, and dental asymmetries.