title: Mandibular posterior anatomic limit for molar distalization.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the mandibular posterior anatomic limit for molar distalization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained on 34 adults with a skeletal Class I normodivergent facial profile and a normal occlusion. Posterior available space was measured at the crown and root levels along the posterior occlusal line connecting the buccal cusps of the first and second molars on the axial slices. It was also measured at the occlusal level on the lateral cephalograms derived from the computed tomography scans. The measurements on the cephalograms were used to predict the actual posterior available space determined by computed tomography and to determine the presence of root contact with the inner lingual cortex by linear regression and discriminant analyses, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The posterior available space was significantly smaller at the root level than at the crown level. Root contact was observed in 35.3% of the 68 roots. The posterior available space measured on the lateral cephalograms resulted in a regression equation with a coefficient of determination of 0.261 to predict actual available space and correctly identified root contact in 66.2% of cases with a threshold value of 3.9 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The posterior anatomic limit appeared to be the lingual cortex of the mandibular body. Computed tomography scans are recommended for patients who require significant mandibular molar distalization.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Tae-Hyun
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyoung-Seon
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Baik
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Chel
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. Electronic address: orthojn@yuhs.ac.
authors.forename: Kee-Joon
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult