title: Maxillary molar distalization therapy in adult patients: a multicentre study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate dento-skeletal changes following conventional anchorage molar distalization therapy in adult patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-three patients (25 women, mean age 23 years 1 months ± 3 months; 8 men, mean age 28 years 3 months ± 7 months) were recruited from 4 Board Certified specialists. All subjects underwent molar distalization therapy using intra-oral distalizing appliances.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cephalometric headfilms were available for all subjects before (T1) and at the end of comprehensive treatment (T2). The initial and final measurements and treatment changes were compared by means of a paired t-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean total treatment time was 3 years 2 months ± 6 months. Maxillary first molar distalized 2.9 ± 0.6 mm contributing 64.4% to Class II molar correction, whereas mandibular first molar showed a concomitant mesial movement of 1.6 ± 0.5 mm. Maxillary incisors retroclined an average of 5.8° ± 3.9°, lower incisors proclined 4.1° ± 1.1° and the occlusal plane rotated downwards and backwards 1.8° ± 2.1°. Clockwise rotation of the mandible (1.7° ± 0.5°) and increase in lower facial height (2.5 ± 1.5 mm) were also observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maxillary molar distalization therapy can be successfully performed in adult patients despite a slight increase in vertical facial dimension should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, La Spezia, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.affiliation: School of Dental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cozzani
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3340-9254
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mutinelli
authors.affiliation: University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spena
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caprioglio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000628:therapy; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology*; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012399:Rotation; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Class II malocclusion; adult patients; distalizing devices; molar distalization; non-compliance