Dentoskeletal effects of molar distalization with miniscrew-anchored cantilever and pendulum appliance for Class II correction.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the dental and skeletal changes promoted by the miniscrew-anchored cantilever and pendulum appliance for Class II correction.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 52 patients with Class II malocclusion divided into 2 groups according to the treatment received: the miniscrew group (MG) with 23 patients (14 females and 9 males; mean initial age of 12.42 years) treated using the miniscrew-anchored cantilever, and the pendulum group (PG) with 29 patients (21 females and 8 males; mean initial age of 13.60 years) treated using the pendulum appliance. Lateral cephalograms and digital dental models were obtained and analyzed in 2 phases: pretreatment and postdistalization. Intergroup comparisons were performed using t test, Mann-Whitney test, and multivariate analysis of covariance test for covariates (P <0.05).

Results: Both groups exhibited similar molar distalization (3.25 ± 1.68 mm for MG and 2.90 ± 2.17 mm for PG). The MG showed distalization of premolars (2.03 ± 2.09 mm) and incisors (1.70 ± 2.27 mm), whereas the PG exhibited mesialization of premolars (3.24 ± 2.01 mm) and incisors (2.30 ± 2.60 mm). A greater distal rotation (20.20° ± 5.73° for MG and 4.26° ± 6.41° for PG; P <0.001) and smaller distal angulation (8.55° ± 3.75° for MG and 14.36° ± 5.67° for PG; P <0.001) of the maxillary first molar was observed in the MG when compared with the PG.

Conclusions: Both devices were effective for Class II molar distalization. The miniscrew-anchored cantilever was able to control the side effects of mesialization in the incisors and premolars during distalization when compared with distalization with a pendulum appliance.