• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제43권6호
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• pp.302-310
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• 2013

Orthodontic closure of old, edentulous spaces in the mandibular posterior region is a major challenge. In this report, we describe a method of orthodontic closure of edentulous spaces in the mandibular posterior region accelerated by piezoelectric decortication and alveolar ridge expansion. Combined piezosurgical and orthodontic treatments were used to close 14- and 15-mm-wide spaces in the mandibular left and right posterior areas, respectively, of a female patient, aged 18 years and 9 months, diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion, hypodontia, and polydiastemas. After the piezoelectric decortication, segmental and full-arch mechanics were applied in the orthodontic phase. Despite some extent of root resorption and anchorage loss, the edentulous spaces were closed, and adequate function and esthetics were regained without further restorative treatment. Alveolar ridge expansion-assisted orthodontic space closure seems to be an effective and relatively less-invasive treatment alternative for edentulous spaces in the mandibular posterior region.

• 대한치과의사협회지
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• 제57권11호
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• pp.654-663
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• 2019

This case report describes the management of a 30-year-old woman with hopeless mandibular first molars and right maxillary second premolar. The treatment plan included mandibular second and third molar protraction after extraction of mandibular first molars. Mini-implants were placed between roots of first and second premolar. Sliding mechanics with lever arm was used to prevent inclination of molars. A good functional occlusion was achieved in 38 months without clinically significant side effects. Most of the extraction space of mandibular first molar was closed by protraction of second and third molars. The skeletal Class II pattern was improved by counterclockwise rotation of mandible through reduction of wedge effect. Mandibular molar protraction with orthodontic mini-implants in adequate cases would be a great alternative to prosthetic implant and reduce the financial and surgical burden of patients.