Key Factors in Molar Uprighting and Protraction with TADs

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are currently being used to mesialize molars into edentulous areas. Recently, with the development of the orthodontic miniscrew, there have been reports of the orthodontic closure of space caused by missing mandibular first molars or second premolars. These treatments were more difficult to conduct on mandibles, where the bone is denser than that in the maxilla. Because the space from a missing first molar or deciduous second molar is large, the third molar is often considered a substitute for these missing teeth. In this lecture, vertical eruption patterns of impacted mandibular third molars after the mesialization of second molars using miniscrews will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss clinical applications and biomechanical considerations during molar protraction with TADs.
• Describe factors affecting vertical eruption of impacted third molars after mesialization of second molars.
• Evaluate whether impacted third molars vertically erupt better after mesialization of second molars.