Upper molar distalization with noncompliance therapies has become more popular in treatment
of Class II malocclusions.
Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the dentofacial changes after
distalization of maxillary first molars using bone anchorage pendulum and Lever-arm mini-implant
system in the treatment of dental Class II cases non-extraction cases.
Subjects and Methods: The sample of this study was consisted of 30 patients of both sexes
(16- 22 years old) divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 15 patients, their molar were
distalized with BAPA. The second group consisted of 15 patients, their molar were distalized with
LAMS. The evaluation of the study was performed by detecting the changes on dental casts and
lateral cephalograms.
Results: All maxillary molars were distally moved into a super class I relationship successfully
in both groups (7.2 months in BAPA group and 10.5 months in LAMS group) and there was a
highly significant changes in the distal tipping of the maxillary first molar between the two groups,
BAPA (22.8°) while the amount of distal tipping of the maxillary first molar in LAMS group was
(10.29°).
Conclusion: Both LAMS and BAPA appliances were effective, less invasive and compliance
free alternative for intraoral upper molar distalization without anchorage loss. Lever-arm and miniimplant
system was effective for achieving absolute anchorage during the distal movement of upper
molars.