The efficiency of miniscrew-supported cantilever appliance in molar distalization

Various appliances have been routinely used for distalization, some of which require patient’s compliance,  others have undesirable side effects. Temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs)  are the alternatives  used nowadays to eliminate these side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects of  molar distalization using a cantilever arm and miniscrew appliance. A sample of 20 patients who needed upper first molar distalization were recruited. The miniscrew supported cantilever appliance was inserted and open coil springs were used for distalization applying 150 gms on buccal and palatal sides. Pre- (T1) and post-distalization (T2) lateral cephalograms were taken and measured. The results showed significant amount of distalization (4.0 mm) of upper first molar with distal tipping and intrusion. The upper centrals were retracted and intruded. There was an increase in the Frankfort-Mandibularr plane ange (FMA) with no significant soft tissue change. The miniscrew- supported cantilever distalizer is an efficient appliance for the distalization of upper first molars.