How Much is Pendulum Appliance Successful For Upper Molar’s Distalization

Molar distalization is a very common a procedure in orthodontic treatment. Pendulum appliance is used to distalize the molars  but, the appliance design , the number of involved molars and the patient’s age should be considered. This study was done to assess the amount of molars’ movement when using Pendulum appliance to distalize upper 1^st or both 1^st and 2^nd molars.

Methods:

Distalization for 1^st or both 1st and 2^nd upper molars were done for 30 patients (10 to 20 years old) ,who needed space for upper 2^nd bicuspids or cuspids’ alignment , achieving Cl l molar relationship or reducing overjet. Bands were placed on 1^st bicuspids and 1^st or 2^nd molars. Springs made of 0.8 mm stainless steel wire with two double helices were used to distalize the right and left molars.The amount of tooth movement was measured by digital caliper in millimeter with on the study casts after the tooth movement was completed and the difference was assessed by t-test(P<0.05).When the 2^nd molars were present,their movement was measured .Then the 1^st molars were moved  and their movement was measured on a new study model.

Results:

First molars’ movement was calculated 5±1.9 mm when there was only 1^st molars to move(P<0.001) in 4 to 6 months.2^nd molar movement was 3±1.2 mm (P<0.01) in 6 to 10months. The 1^st molars’ movement after the 2^nd molars was calculated 2.9±0.6 mm(P<0.05) in 3 month .The movement was done in a shorter time when the age was lower (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Pendulum appliance is very successful when moving the 1^st molars alone. However, if the molars need not a large amount of distalization it can move both molars satisfactorily but, the time should be considered.