The effect of maxillary molar distalization on cervical posture

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine whether maxillary molar distalization with a Pendulum appliance affects the cervical posture, and whether lateral cephalometry can measure these changes.Methods: Twenty Dental Class II subjects, aged 11.5-15.5, were selected for maxillary molar distalization with a Pendulum appliance. Before treatment, a lateral cephalogram was recorded in natural head position. The lateral cephalogram was repeated after molar correction to dental Class I and appliance removal. The differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment data were determined and analyzed with paired t-tests.Results: The craniocervical angle (CCA) decreased 2.3 , Cobb angle increased 0.4 , Hyoid triangle height increased 0.13 mm, the distance between C 0 and C 1 increased 0.28 mm, and the distance between C 1 and C 2 increased 0.23 mm. None of the differences in these measurements were significant.Conclusions: Measured changes in cervical posture following maxillary molar distalization with a Pendulum appliance were not significant when measured by lateral cephalometry. It could not be determined whether the pre-and post-treatment natural head position was reproducible so as to not affect the measurement of appliance-induced changes.

Cervical spine dysfunction signs and symptoms in individuals with temporomandibular disorder

“…Flexion/extension head position in relation to superior cervical spine was measured through Rocabado craniovertebral angle, recently referred on literature (19)(20)(21) . This angle is formed by McGregor Plan (plan which tangencies the base of the occipital bone till it reaches the posterior nasal spine) and the Odontoid Plan (which comes from the top of the odontoid process of C2 till a most anterior and inferior point of the body of C2).…”

“…To the analysis of the cervical spine the CVT/EVT ratio was used (21,22) . The CVT line intercepts the apex of the bone prominence of the second cervical vertebra and the most posterior and inferior point of the fourth cervical vertebra.…”