The use of temporary anchorage devices for molar intrusion.

BACKGROUND This article reviews the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for maxillary molar intrusion. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED The authors reviewed clinical, radiographic and histologic studies and case reports. The studies provided information regarding the application, placement and biological response of orthodontic TADs. RESULTS TAD-supported molar intrusion is controlled and timely and may be accomplished without the need for full-arch brackets and wires. Supraerupted maxillary first molars can be intruded 3 to 8 millimeters in 7.5 months (approximately 0.5-1.0 mm per month), without loss of tooth vitality, adverse periodontal response or radiographically evident root resorption. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS True molar intrusion can be achieved successfully with orthodontic TADs, re-establishing a functional posterior occlusion and reducing the need for prosthetic crown reduction.