Clinical preferences and practice patterns of orthodontists in Turkiye regarding maxillary molar distalization

Authors : Samet Özden, Fırat Oğuz

Pages : 775-786

Doi:10.32322/jhsm.1727206

View : 79 | Download : 363

Publication Date : 2025-09-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical approaches of orthodontists practicing in Turkiye regarding the distalization of maxillary first molars, as well as the factors influencing their treatment preferences. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional survey study included responses from 132 orthodontists who are members of the Turkish Orthodontic Society. The questionnaire, delivered via Google Forms, comprised 37 items covering demographic data, distalization techniques, the use of clear aligners, and retention protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Relationships between variables were assessed using the Chi-square test, supported by Monte Carlo simulation where appropriate. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered. Ethical approval for this survey-based study was obtained from the İnönü University Scientific Researches and Publication Ethics Committee (Date: 24.09.2024, Decision No: 2024/6452). Results: All participants reported utilizing maxillary molar distalization in their clinical practice. A total of 84.8% preferred skeletal anchorage-supported intraoral systems, and 62.9% reported placing miniscrews in the infrazygomatic crest region. According to the respondents, distalization was most frequently performed in adolescent patients (78.0%). In class II camouflage cases, 63.6% of orthodontists indicated a preference for premolar extraction. Clear aligner-based distalization was reported by 67.4% of participants, with Invisalign (Align Technology Inc., San Jose, CA, USA) being the most commonly used brand (56.8%) in this subgroup. The average duration of distalization was reported to be between 6 and 9 months by 43.9% of respondents. The most frequently encountered complication was miniscrew loosening (71.2%). In the post-treatment retention phase, 72.0% of clinicians reported using a combination of Essix and lingual retainers. Conclusion: Maxillary molar distalization is widely employed among orthodontists in Turkiye, with notable variability in techniques and materials used based on clinician preference. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment planning and reflect the diversity in contemporary clinical practice.
Keywords : distalizasyon, anket, iskeletsel ankraj, ortodontik tedavi, şeffaf plak

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