Molar Distalization

Molar distalization is an orthodontic procedure that moves molar teeth, especially the permanent first molars, backward within the dental arch. It is used to treat Class II malocclusion, a bite problem often caused by the early loss of primary molars that lets the permanent molars drift forward, and it can also create space for teeth such as impacted premolars or canines to come in properly. Distalizing molars in the upper (maxillary) arch is generally easier than in the lower (mandibular) arch, because the maxillary bone has proportionally more of the spongier trabecular bone, while the mandible is largely denser cortical bone. Popular appliances for the procedure include the Pendulum and Pendex devices, both developed by the orthodontist Hilgers in 1990.