Noninvasive Mandibular Molar Uprighting Using Sleeve Push Technique - A Case Report with 36-month Follow-up

The uprighting of mesial or distal inclination of mandibular molar teeth is very challenging in orthodontic therapy. The mesially inclined molars usually result from early tooth loss, caries, or periodontal disease. The conventional techniques are effective; however, they lead to unwanted side effects such as molar extrusion, prolonged treatment time, and discomfort due to the complexities of the appliances. The sleeve push technique (SPT) involves the use of a rubber-tubing as "sleeve" on the nickel-titanium archwire to create space, applying light continuous force in a controlled manner for molar uprighting. This case report showcases the use of SPT in an 18-year-old female with a mesially inclined mandibular second molar on the right side that was successfully treated. The uprighting was achieved with distal crown movement with negligible adverse effects, avoiding the need for auxiliaries like temporary anchorage devices or open coil springs, thus reducing the cost. This technique reduced the treatment time and discomfort, offering a minimally invasive alternative for molar uprighting. While promising, further studies are needed to confirm its broader applicability in complex orthodontic cases.