A New Technique for Maxillary Molar Distalization

Webinar Speaker

Dr Chun-Hsi Chung
DMD, MS
Associate Professor of Orthodontics,
Chauncey M. F. Egel Endowed Chair,
Director, Postdoctoral Orthodontics Program
Department of Orthodontics, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Abstract

In general, to distalize maxillary molars, an intra-arch distalization appliance is favored over an inter-arch appliance since it does not utilize mandibular dentition as an anchorage, so some unwanted side effects on mandibular incisors can be avoided. A variety of intra-arch appliances/techniques have been developed to distalize maxillary molars, however, they usually cause significant distal tipping of the molars, and are usually not comfortable for the patients due to the bulky activation units on the lingual side. A new and effective maxillary intra-arch molar distalization technique is presented in this lecture. The appliance / technique consists of (1) palatally, a big acrylic button against the palatal rugae and connected to the premolars with wide mesh pads; (2) buccally, regular brackets/bands on maxillary premolars and first molars with sectional round stainless steel archwires and open coil springs between the second premolar and first molar. Either bilateral or unilateral maxillary molar distalization can be achieved with this technique, and the Class II elastics are not needed. It is simple to be fabricated, delivered, and activated, and it is comfortable for patients.

About Speaker

Dr Chung is Chauncey M. F. Egel Endowed Chair and Director of Postdoctoral Orthodontic Program of the Department of Orthodontics, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He served as the Director of the American Board of Orthodontics (2010-2018), and the President of the American Board of Orthodontics (2017-2018). Dr. Chung received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1986 and Orthodontic Certificate/Master of Science in Oral Biology in 1992 from the University of Pennsylvania, and Postdoctoral Fellowship from National Institute of Health (1990-1992). He has been a full-time faculty at the University of Pennsylvania since 1992, and has received numerous awards and honors, including the University of Pennsylvania Research Foundation Award, and the American Association of Orthodontists Award as the Co-chair of the Scientific Program of the Annual Session of the American Association of Orthodontists in Washington DC. In addition, he has published numerous articles in refereed journals, including the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, European Journal of Orthodontics, and Angle Orthodontist. He has been an active member of the E. H. Angle Society of Orthodontists since 2003, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics since 2002.