Timely relocation of mini-implants for uninterrupted full-arch distalization

This report describes a novel concept of relocating orthodontic mini-implants during dental distalization to provide unrestricted distal movement of the full maxillary dentition. The patient was an 18-year old Korean woman with a full-step Class II Division 1 malocclusion and mandibular deficiency. Mini-implants were initially placed bilaterally between the maxillary second premolar and the first molar. Sliding jigs were used to distalize the maxillary first and second molars. After the maxillary molars were distalized to a Class I molar relationship, the mini-implants were removed and immediately relocated distally to provide space for retraction of the anterior teeth. The occlusion was completed with Class I molar and canine relationships with optimal overjet and overbite. The 2-year posttreatment records showed a stable treatment with retention.