Molar distalization- a review

Non-extraction orthodontic treatment implies the correction of malocclusion and thereby improvement in facial profile, aesthetics and smile without sacrificing permanent tooth/teeth. Every clinician is tempted to treat his cases by non-extraction mode of treatment, and this mode of treatment is more desirable for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. There are a number of methods (Arch expansion, interproximal reduction, proclination of teeth, molar derotation, use of functional appliances) to gain space to resolve limited crowding and protrusion so that some malocclusions can be treated without extraction. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and specific indications. A child with class I bases and acceptable profile, with minimal space requirements for relief of crowding or mild protrusion can possibly be best treated without sacrifice of tooth material. In the last two decades, orthodontic treatment strategies have been shifted towards nonextraction treatment and several methods which were not so popular, were lately modified for adaptation in current practice. Intraoral molar distalization is one such example. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various methods used for molar distalization.