Use of a flexible palatally positioned distalization appliance [Distalizzazione elastica graduabile]

Objectives: To describe the case of a 10-year-old boy with complete permanent dentition, Class II division I malocclusion and deep anterior bite. Materials and methods: The initial cephalometric tracing revealed a Class II hypodivergent pattern with reduction of the anterior facial height. The patient was treated with a flexible, palatally positioned orthodontic appliance for 7 months, after which a multibracket appliance (upper and lower arches) was used for approximately 18 months. Results and conclusions: The flexible distalizing device achieved distalization of upper molars, and the multibracket appliance allowed correction of the relationship between the two arches, producing a Class I occlusion of canines and molars and the correction of the overbite and overjet. © 2011 Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.