Molar distalization with 2K appliance: One-year follow-up

Abstract

Correction of class II molars in growing patients with acceptable facial profile can be performed by distalization of maxillary first molars. However, in patients where compliance is difficult intraoral means of molar distalization is required. This case report describes the use and effectiveness of a novel 2K appliance in an 11-year-old female having an orthognathic profile, skeletal Class I relation, and Angle's Class II division 1 malocclusion with crowding of 8 mm and 3 mm in the maxillary and mandibular arches, respectively. Nonextraction treatment was planned with bilateral distalization of the maxillary first molars. The amount of distalization achieved by 2K appliance was 3.5 mm with only 1° distal tipping. The 2K appliance required minimal patient cooperation, produced bodily movement of molars with minimal tipping/rotation, and prevented anchorage loss of the anterior teeth. This 2K molar distalization appliance was found to be an effective technique to control molars in all three planes of space.