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Molar Distalisation — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardOrthodonticsMolar DistalisationNDEB AFK

Which orthodontic appliance is used to distalize maxillary molars to create space in the arch?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: APendulum appliance

The pendulum appliance (Hilgers pendulum) is an intraoral fixed appliance that distally tips and moves maxillary first molars to create space without patient compliance (no headgear). It uses TMA springs attached to a Nance button for anchorage. Disadvantages include mesial tipping of premolars and distal crown tipping of molars. Alternatives for molar distalisation include the distal jet, headgear, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs/miniscrews).

Reference: Proffit – Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th ed., 2019