Rapid canine retraction with periodontal distraction in Class II division 1 malocclusion: a case report

This case report describes the treatment of an 18-year-old post-pubertal male patient with a class II division 1 malocclusion. Rapid canine retraction was planned after extraction of first premolars in maxillary arch 7 mm of canine retraction was achieved in 19 days with customized periodontal distractor with minimal change (10 degrees) in canine inclination. The maxillary molars were able to withstand the retraction forces with minimal vertical anchor loss (0.5mm). During distraction phase, patient experienced slight discomfort which vanished in 2-3 days. After distraction, anterior teeth retraction was rapid because of fibrous bony tissue distal to the lateral incisor. Orthodontic treatment continued for 12 months with no clinical and radiographic evidence of complications like root fracture, resorption, ankylosis and soft tissue dehiscence. Good overjet and overbite was achieved at the end of treatment with dramatic improvement in facial esthetics. Periodontal distraction is an effective alternative to shorten treatment time eliminating need for additional anchorage.