Distalization of maxillary molars with the bone-supported pendulum: a clinical study.

A modified pendulum appliance with 2 endosseus screws for anchorage in the palatal area was used for maxillary molar distalization in each of 15 patients (average age, 13 +/- 2.1 years). Study models and lateral and panoramic x-rays were taken at the beginning and end of the movement to record the dental and skeletal changes. The mean treatment time was 7.8 +/- 1.7 months, the average distal movement of the maxillary molars was 6 mm, and the inclination was 11.3 degrees +/- 6.2 degrees. The second premolars were distalized an average of 4.85 +/- 1.96 mm with inclinations of 8.6 degrees +/- 5 degrees. The maxillary anterior teeth were retruded 0.5 +/- 1.33 mm and palatally inclined 2.5 degrees +/- 2.98 degrees. The mandibular plane rotated posteriorly 1.27 degrees +/- 1.1 degrees. No loss of dental anchorage was observed during the distal movement.