A bonded appliance to correct ectopically erupting permanent molars.

A fully bonded m~dtiloop wire appliance for the correction of ectopically erupting permanent molars is described. The appliance allows control in the anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse planes. Ectopically erupting first permanent molars are seen in about 3% of the population.~,2 Sixty-six per cent of ectopically erupting maxillary first permanent molars self-correct by jumping over the impaction on the distal surface of the second primary molar.~ A variety of conservative methods have been suggested for the correction of ectopically erupting first permanent molars which remain impacted against the second primary molar. 3-~ These range from placing a brass separating wire between the second primary molar and the impacted first permanent molar 3 to banded appliances applying distal pressure to the impacted first permanent molar. 4-~ Most active appliances incorporate a band cemented to the second primary molar with wire soldered to the buccal surface allowing activation to the partially erupted first permanent molar. 4-7 The wire can be attached to the permanent molar by a Class I cavity preparation, 4 by pressure to the mesiobuccal surface s or to the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual surfaces, 6 or by bonding to the occlusal surface. 7 A combination of banding to the second primary molar and a bonded button to the maxillary first ipermanent molar together with orthodontic chain elastic also has been recommended, s This report describes the use of a totally bonded multiloop wire to correct an ectopically placed first permanent molar using commonly available materials.