Biometric evaluation of upper molar distalization executed by keles slider appliance

SUMMARY BIOMETRIC EVALUATION OF UPPER MOLAR DISTALIZATION EXECUTED BY KELES SLIDER APPLIANCE In the present study, an intraoral appliance - Keles Slider is used to distalize the upper first molar teeth bodily without any tipping. The study material consisted of 128 lateral cephalometric films and 64 model photocopies that have been taken before and after distalization and control periods from 16 females and 16 males, a total of 32 patients. All patients had skeletally Class I or Class II malocclusions and Class II molar relationships on both sides. Lower arch was well aligned and exhibited normal or sagitally directed growth pattern without any increase in overjet. Patients were divided into two groups of treatment and control. In order to define the changes taking place in the treatment and control groups, lateral cephalometric films and model photocopies were analysed. 22 parameters (1 1 angular, 10 lineer and 1 rational) were measured for the cephalometric analysis. For the model analysis, 2 parameters (1 angular and 1 lineer) were measured. The statistical non-significance of any probable difference between initial radiographies of the treatment and control groups had been determined by homogenity test (Levene) and t-tests. The statistical significance of the distalization data was investigated by the non- parametric Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. Analysis of the lateral cephalometrics films showed significant changes in 8 parameters out of 22. These important changes achieved by the Keles Slider appliance are as follows : Upper first molars were moved distally by an average of 3.92 mm and intruded 0.13 mm. Upper first premolars were moved mesially by an average of 1.59 mm, tipped 3.69 degrees distally and extruded by 2.49 mm. Upper central incisors were proclined by an average of 1.75 mm and tipped 3.59 degrees labially. Mandibular central incisors extruded by 0.86 mm. IVThe analysis of the model photocopies revealed intermolar arch perimeter increase of 3.23 mm transversally and 3.48 degrees of distobuccal rotation of the upper first molar teeth after distalization process. We achieved our goals in bodily distalization with Keles Slider appliance, without any need of patient cooperation. Key words: Dental Class II malocclusion, molar distalization, Keles Slider, anchorage loss.