Evaluation of maxillary first molar rotation during direct miniscrew-supported maxillary canine retraction: a before-and-after study

Abstract

Background Extraction of the first premolar followed by canine retraction into the extraction space is a common treatment in orthodontics. Molar rotation occurs when they are used as anchorage units for the canine distalization. The aim of this single-arm clinical trial was to evaluate the maxillary first molar rotation during maxillary canine retraction with elastic power chains and direct miniscrew anchorage. Results The mean difference between pre-retraction and post-retraction molar rotation was 1.89° ± 0.6 which was statistically insignificant. Conclusion The use of miniscrews for direct anchorage can eliminate unwanted rotation of the maxillary first molars during canine retraction. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04887974. Registered on May 6, 2021- Retrospectively registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04887974?id=NCT04887974&draw=2&rank=1.