Distalization of maxillary first and second molars simultaneously with repelling magnets

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and the dentofacial effects of using repelling SmCo5 magnets for distalization of maxillary first and second molars simultaneously. Ten consecutive patients, aged 12.0-15.6 years, with Class II malocclusion and moderate space deficiency in the upper jaw were orthodontically treated using prefabricated repelling SmCo5 magnets. The magnets were attached buccally in the premolar and first molar area to a fixed orthodontic applicance. When the magnets were activated, the molars could move freely distally. The tooth movements were analysed by measurements on dental casts, lateral photographs of dental casts, and lateral skull radiographs before and after treatment. The mean treatment time was 16.6 weeks and all maxillary molars could be distalized to a Class I relationship. The mean molar crown movement was 4.2 mm, and the maxillary first molars tipped distally and rotated disto-buccally by 8.0 and 8.5 degrees, respectively. The reciprocal forces resulted in a slightly increased inclination of the upper incisors. It was found that simultaneous distalization of first and second maxillary molars with repelling magnets could be an alternative to ordinary orthodontic treatment methods. As the molar distalization was achieved during a relatively short period, occlusal adjustment, including uprighting and derotation of the maxillary molars as well as post-treatment retention, seems recommendable.