Home About us Editorial board Search Ahead of print Current issue Archives Submit article Instructions Subscribe Contacts Login 
Print this page Email this page Users Online: 72

 Table of Contents  
CASE REPORT
Year : 2018  |  Volume : 7  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 276-280

Orthodontic uprighting of severely impacted mandibular permanent second molar with TMA spring


Department of Orthodontics, SIBAR Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Date of Web Publication10-Jan-2019

Correspondence Address:
Prof. Revathi Peddu
Department of Orthodontics, SIBAR Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/JDRNTRUHS.JDRNTRUHS_31_18

Rights and Permissions
  Abstract 


Treating impacted teeth is very challenging for an orthodontist. Although canine impactions are common, second molar impactions are also encountered in orthodontics. The fate of impacted second molar depends on various factors such as the degree of its inclination and position of third molars. A case of molar uprighting using a 0.017″ × 0.025″ titanium molybdenum alloy uprighting spring is discussed in this case report. Treatment included surgical exposure and crown lengthening along with orthodontically assisted eruption.

Keywords: Molar uprighting, second molar impaction, TMA uprighting spring


How to cite this article:
Peddu R, Nuvusetty B, Dokku A, Devikanth L. Orthodontic uprighting of severely impacted mandibular permanent second molar with TMA spring. J NTR Univ Health Sci 2018;7:276-80

How to cite this URL:
Peddu R, Nuvusetty B, Dokku A, Devikanth L. Orthodontic uprighting of severely impacted mandibular permanent second molar with TMA spring. J NTR Univ Health Sci [serial online] 2018 [cited 2023 Mar 23];7:276-80. Available from: https://www.jdrntruhs.org/text.asp?2018/7/4/276/249826




  Introduction Top


The impaction of mandibular second permanent molars is rather a rare condition. The incidence of second molar impaction revealed by panoramic radiograph studies has been reported to be around 0.03% of all impacted teeth.[1] They gain space by resorption of bone at the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and mesial migration of the first molar into the leeway space.[2] Disturbances in this natural process may lead to impaction and are associated with an arch length deficiency because of inadequate mandible growth.[3]

There are various advantages of uprighting over extraction of an impacted second molar, especially in cases with unpredictable third molar position. In case of extraction of impacted second molar, unopposed teeth have a tendency to overerupt. Another benefit of molar uprighting is the elimination of pseudopocket in that area.[4] We can also prevent damage to the distal root of the first molar due to the impacted molar.

The treatment possibilities depend on the degree of tooth inclination and direction of tooth movement required. A common treatment approach for severely inclined tooth is orthodontically assisted eruption with surgical uncovering. An attachment bonded to the surgically uncovered buccal or distobuccal surface will be used to deliver uprighting force by means of various techniques such as applying superelastic NiTi wire,[5] NiTi-coil spring,[6] uprighting springs,[7] sectional arch wire,[8] or titanium miniscrews[9] in the retromolar area.

This case report discusses the orthodontic treatment of a severely impacted lower left second molar with a simple uprighting spring.


  Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Top


A 19-year-old female patient reported with a chief complaint of irregularly placed front teeth. Clinically, the patient had Angle's Class I malocclusion with proclined and moderately crowded upper and lower anteriors, cross bite of upper first permanent molars, and unerupted lower left permanent second molar [Figure 1].
Figure 1: Pretreatment intraoral photographs

Click here to view


Pretreatment radiographs revealed the presence of all permanent teeth and severely mesioangularly impacted lower left permanent second molar and developing third molars. The distal cusps of the lower left second molar were present under the distal bulge of the first molars very close to the mid portion of distal root of the first molar. The apex of the left permanent third molar roots was still incompletely formed and the tooth was located on top of the second molar [Figure 2].
Figure 2: Pretreatment radiographs

Click here to view


Cephalometric analysis revealed a skeletal Class I relationship with normodivergent growth pattern and proclined upper and lower incisors. Based on the clinical and cephalometric analysis, extraction of four first premolars was planned to correct proclination and crowding. Correction of cross bite was planned with expanded transpalatal arch. Later, extraction of lower left permanent third molar followed by surgical exposure and uprighting of lower left permanent second molar was planned.


  Treatment Progress Top


The treatment was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, initial alignment, correction of cross bite [Figure 3], and retraction of anterior teeth [Figure 4] were done. Space closure was completed prior to molar uprighting because of the following reasons.
Figure 3: Correction of cross bite with TPA: (a) before correction and (b) after correction

Click here to view
Figure 4: Closure of extraction space: (a) before closure and (b) after closure

Click here to view


  1. As the second molar was mesioangularly impacted, with its crown locked under the distal bulge of the first molar, we cannot upright it by a pure rotation obtained by application of a pure couple force system with a high moment-to-force ratio (so that the center of rotation is very close to the center of resistance). The uprighting should produce a distalizing effect on the tooth so that there will be unlocking of impacted second molar from the distal bulge of the first molar. Later, we can apply force to obtain distal crown tipping and molar extrusion.
  2. Also, if we start molar uprighting prior to space closure, anchor loss in lower left quadrant may occur because of the effect of uprighting force on lower left first molar.


In the second stage, molar uprighting was done. At first, extraction of the developing lower left third molar was performed 6 months prior to orthodontic uprighting, that is, when the patient was in retraction phase. This was done to allow bone formation and mineralization by the time uprighting starts, which provides stability and prevents mobility of tooth while uprighting [Figure 5]a and [Figure 5]b. Surgical exposure was done after completion of retraction to uncover the distobuccal aspect of the impacted lower left permanent second molar and a second molar tube was bonded to the exposed surface with TransBond TM (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) adhesive. Uprighting spring made with 0.017″ × 0.025″ titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) wire was inserted into the second molar buccal tube from the auxiliary tube of first molar [Figure 5]c, [Figure 6], [Figure 7]a, and [Figure 7]b.
Figure 5: Intraoral periapical radiographs: (a) initial, (b) after third molar extraction, (c) bonding of second molar tube and insertion of TMA spring, (d) after 4 months – unlocking of molar, (e) after 4 months of rebonding of second molar tube and insertion of TMA spring, and (f) after completion of uprighting

Click here to view
Figure 6: Fabrication of uprighting spring: (a) 17″ × 25″ straight length TMA wire, (b) uprighting spring, (c) uprighting spring with tip back bend, and (d) uprighting spring – occlusal view

Click here to view
Figure 7: Unlocking of impacted molar by distalization: (a) surgical exposure, (b) bonding of second molar tube and insertion of TMA spring, (c) after 1 month, (d) after 2 months, (e) after 3 months, and (f) after 4 months

Click here to view


The patient was followed up every 4 weeks to monitor control of anchorage and movement of the impacted tooth. The initial change was noticed 8 weeks after the application of the force. After 4 months, satisfactory distalization was achieved [Figure 5]d, [Figure 7]c,[Figure 7]d,[Figure 7]e,[Figure 7]f.

At this stage, crown lengthening of the impacted tooth was done for rebonding the molar tube in a more appropriate position, that is, more gingivally and mesially. Later, uprighting was continued with uprighting spring for distal crown tipping and extrusion of molar. Complete correction of inclination was obtained 4 months after rebonding [Figure 5]e,[Figure 5]f, [Figure 8]a,[Figure 8]b,[Figure 8]c,[Figure 8]d,[Figure 8]e,[Figure 8]f and was confirmed on the posttreatment panoramic radiograph [Figure 9].
Figure 8: Alignment of molar (a) crown lengthening, (b) rebonding of second molar tube and insertion of TMA spring, (c) after 2 months – left lateral view, (d) after 2 months – occlusal view, (e) after 4 Months – left lateral view, and (f) after 4 months – occlusal view

Click here to view
Figure 9: Posttreatment radiographs

Click here to view



  Discussion Top


There are different treatment options for correction of impacted lower second molars. Surgical repositioning and transplantation has high risk of complications such as pulp necrosis, ankylosis, or root resorption. Extraction of the impacted tooth to let the third molar erupt also has some disadvantages because of long time interval between the extraction of the second molar and the eruption of the third molar. As a result, the third molar may become tipped and impacted. Sometimes, there may be injury to the third molar bud and distal root of first molar while extracting impacted second molar.[10]

However, Orton-Gibbs et al.,[11] in a study of eruptive path of mandibular third molars after mandibular second molar extraction, reported that none of these teeth became impacted and that all achieved the acceptable position, but suggested that this treatment option requires good case selection. Hence, before orthodontic therapy, the need for third molar extraction should be thoroughly evaluated.

This case report describes use of uprighting spring with advantages such as simple design, easy chairside fabrication, less time consumption, efficient, and ease in activation and reactivation. Molar uprighting usually presents difficulty in managing the unwanted reactionary force vectors associated, which if not taken care can produce deleterious effects on areas of dentition used for anchorage.[12]

Three-dimensional control of molar has been taken care by incorporating bends within the uprighting spring. The anchorage was secured with a rigid wire (0.021″ × 0.025″ stainless steel) and consolidation was done from the lower left first molar to the lower right first molar. Tip back bend of 15° was also given in the active arm of the uprighting spring for correction of inclination till satisfactory molar uprighting was achieved. As tip back bend also has a little extrusive effect over the molar in the direction of normal eruptive path, it helps in bringing the molar to the level of normal occlusal plane. As second molar is placed a bit more buccally, the active arm of uprighting spring is designed in such a way that a mild lingual tuck-in of second molar can be achieved.


  Treatment Results Top


A Class I molar and canine relationship was maintained, and ideal overjet and overbite were achieved with good alignment in both upper and lower arches. Uprighting lower left second molar was completed [Figure 10]. Decrease in the proclination of upper and lower anteriors was observed from posttreatment radiographs [Figure 9].
Figure 10: Posttreatment intraoral photographs

Click here to view



  Conclusion Top


Second molar impaction is a very challenging disturbance that requires proper clinical, radiological, and biomechanical evaluation and a good appliance selection for successful treatment results.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.



 
  References Top

1.
Grover PS, Norton L. The incidence of unerupted permanent teeth and related clinical cases. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Path 1985;59:420-5.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Majourau A, Norton LA. Uprighting impacted second molars with segmented springs. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1995;107:235-8.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Varpio M. Disturbed eruption of the lower second molar: Clinical appearance, prevalence and etiology. J Dent Child 1988;55:114-8.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Shellhert WC, Oesterle LJ. Uprighting molars without extrusion. J Am Dent Assoc 1999;130:381-5.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Eckhart JE. Orthodontic uprighting of horizontally impacted mandibular second molars. J Clin Orthod 1998;32:621-4.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Aksoy A, Aras S. Use of nickel titanium coil spring for partially impacted second molars. J Clin Orthod 1998;32:479-82.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Park DK. Australian uprighting spring for partially impacted second molars. J Clin Orthod 1999;33:404-5.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Kogod M, Kogod HS. Molar uprighting with the piggyback buccal sectional arch wire technique. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1991;99:276-80.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Giancotti A, Muzzi F, Santini F, Arcuri C. Miniscrew treatment of ectopic mandibular molar. J Clin Orthod 2003;37:380-3.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Shapira Y, Borell G, Nahlieli O, Kuftinec MM. Uprighting mesially impacted mandibular permanent second molars. Angle Orthod 1998;68:173-8.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Orton-Gibbs S, Crow V, Orton HS. Eruption of third permanent molars after the extraction of second permanent molars. Part 1: Assessment of third molar position and size. Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 2001;119:226-38.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Park HS, Kyung HM, Sung JH. A simple method of molar uprighting with micro-implant anchorage. J Clin Orthod 2002;36:592-6.  Back to cited text no. 12
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6], [Figure 7], [Figure 8], [Figure 9], [Figure 10]


This article has been cited by
1 Comparison between orthodontic and surgical uprighting of mandibular molars: a systematic review
Frantzeska Karkazi, Nikolaos Karvelas, Antigoni Alexiou, Sotiria Gizani, Apostolos I. Tsolakis
The Angle Orthodontist. 2023; 93(1): 104
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 An orthodontic extrusion and uprighting of impacted mandibular permanent second molar
KanikaGupta Verma,Lalita Singla,Nidhi Gupta,Mahima Saini
Archives of International Surgery. 2020; 10(1): 36
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 

Top
 
 
  Search
 
Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
Access Statistics
Email Alert *
Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)

 
  In this article
Abstract
Introduction
Diagnosis and Tr...
Treatment Progress
Discussion
Treatment Results
Conclusion
References
Article Figures

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed7928    
    Printed188    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded651    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 2    

Recommend this journal