Effect of Maxillary Third Molar Extraction vs. Non-extraction on Distalization of First Molars in a Group of Adolescent Patients

Effect of Maxillary Third Molar Extraction vs Non-extraction on Distalization of First Molars in a Group of Adolescent Patients Using Infra-Zygomatic Gear Distalizer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

There is a scarcity in literature regarding the influence of maxillary third molar on distalization . This study aimed to compare the influence of unerupted maxillary third molars and their extraction on the bilateral distalization of upper first molars using the infra-zygomatic gear distalizer

Maxillary molar distalization is one of the non-extraction modalities for treating class II malocclusion. When distalizing maxillary molars In adults, it is not a problem to extract fully erupted third molars, and it may even be suggested that the extraction site may accommodate distalization. On the contrary, adolescents usually have unerupted third molars with partially formed roots, rendering the surgical extraction more difficult and traumatic. The necessity of surgically extracting upper third molar buds before distalization remains questionable. Therefore, this study was conducted to three-dimensionally assess the impact of maxillary third molar presence on distalizing maxillary molars in adolescent patients having Class II malocclusion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adolescent patients aged 16-19 years
• skeletal Class I
• bilateral Class II molar relationship. defined by at least an end-to-end molar relationship.
• normal vertical growth pattern.
• full permanent dentition with unerupted upper third molars.

Exclusion Criteria:

• skeletal Class II or Class III relationship.
• past orthodontic treatment.
• poor oral hygiene.
• Increased vertical dimension.