Comparative evaluation of dentoalveolar and skeletal effects of beneslider and miniscrew supported pendulum appliances

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the dentoalveolar and skeletal effects of two maxillary molar distalization systems anchored on palatal miniscrews, which deliver the distalization force through elastic arms (the miniscrew-supported Pendulum) and a rigid arch bar (the Beneslider). The study included a total of 36 patients treated with the miniscrew-supported Pendulum (Group 1; 15 girls, 3 boys; mean age, 16.5±2.1 years) and the Beneslider (Group 2; 11 girls, 7 boys; mean age, 15.6±1.5 years) appliances. Lateral cephalometric radiographs and digital dental models taken before and after molar distalization were analyzed to compare dentoalveolar and skeletal changes, as well as the success rates of the appliances. Chronological age, sex distribution, and Class II malocclusion severity at the beginning of treatment were similar between groups. Treatment duration was significantly shorter in Group 1; however, the first molars tipped more distally in this group, and both distalization values and distalization rates measured from the crown, trifurcation and root tip levels were found to be less. Furthermore, the SNB angle showed a significant decrease, and the ANB and SN.GoGn angles showed a significant increase in Group 1, all of which were negligible in Group 2. Distobuccal rotation seen in the first molars was significantly higher in Group 1. The amounts of distalization and tipping in the upper second molars and the appliance success rates were similar between the groups. The miniscrew supported Pendulum appliance caused more distal tipping and distobuccal rotation of the maxillary first molars, along with mesial movement at the root apex. In contrast, the Beneslider appliance proved to be more effective in maxillary molar distalization by providing significant distalization at the roots with a more parallel movement of the first molars. The appliances were successful in 88.89% of cases in the miniscrew supported Pendulum group and 94.44% in the Beneslider group. Keywords: Beneslider, skeletal anchorage, maxillary molar distalization, miniscrew, Pendulum, Class II malocclusion This thesis study was approved by the Başkent University Medical and Health Sciences Research Committee (Project no: D-KA 22/22).