Treatment effects of the Carrière distalizer using lingual arch and full fixed appliances

BackgroundThis study evaluated the treatment effects of the Carrière Distalizer used with either full fixed appliances (FA group) or lower lingual arches (LLA group).MethodsCephalometric radiographs from 41 orthodontic patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion before and after use of the Carrière Distalizer were investigated. Eligible individuals possessed a normal maxilla, retrognathic mandible, normal growth pattern, permanent dentition, minimal crowding with well-aligned dental arches, and at least an end-on Class II molar relationship bilaterally. Two matched groups were formed according to sagittal and vertical skeletal characteristics. Full fixed appliances and a lower lingual arch supported Class II elastic use in the FA (n = 19) and LLA (n = 22) groups, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the treatment changes between the two groups. The differences between the study groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsThe maxillary molar was distalized between 1.6 and 2.5 mm, with the mean amount of molar tipping not exceeding 3.7° in the study sample. No significant differences were observed between the study groups with regard to molar distalization and tipping. Significant reductions in both the Wits and over-jet measurements were observed in both groups (all, P < 0.05 vs. baseline). Significant differences in over bite and mesial movement of both the mandibular molar and the incisors were observed between the two study groups (all, P < 0.05).ConclusionsSuccessful correction of Class II malocclusion was achieved with the Carrière Distalizer appliance in both groups, with minimal molar tipping. However, adverse effects common with Class II elastics accompanied the correction at variable rates in the groups.