Noncompliance unilateral maxillary molar distalization:.

The aim of this prospective study was the three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of tooth movements after unilateral upper molar distalization by means of a noncompliance intraoral appliance, the Keles slider. This appliance exerts a distalizing force of 150 g at approximately the level of the center of resistance of the upper first molar. Twelve patients (six girls and six boys with a mean age of 13.1 years) with a unilateral Class II molar relationship participated in the study. Dental casts were taken immediately before placement and after removal of the appliance. The casts were digitized using a 3-D surface laser scanner and superimposed on a predefined area of the palate. The average unilateral upper first molar distal movement was 3.1 mm (range: 2.4 to 5.3 mm). Anchorage loss was expressed by a 2.1 mm (range: 0.8 to 3.8 mm) proclination of the central incisors and a 6.1 degrees mesial inclination of the ipsilateral first premolar (range: 1.7 degrees to 12.3 degrees ). There was approximately 1 mm of midline deviation toward the contralateral side and a 1.6 mm (range: 0.8 to 2.3 mm) buccal displacement of the contralateral first premolar. A substantial variation was observed among patients. Noncompliance unilateral upper molar distalization was an efficient treatment approach. There was, however, a substantial anchorage loss. Case selection is strongly recommended because significant anterior crowding, ectopic canines, or spacing can lead to significant anchorage loss.