Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of ramus implant anchorage for mandibular arch distalization, and determine the feature of tooth movement.
Methods: Six patients were selected to distalize mandibular arch with ramus implant anchorage. Position changes of mandibular first molars and incisors were measured in sagittal and vertical direction to evaluate the amount of molar and incisor distalization and character of tooth movement. SPSS17.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The average amount of distalization of mandibular first molar was 4.88mm at crown level and 3.1mm at root level, and of mandibular incisor was 5.02mm at crown level and 1.03mm at root level. All of the lower arches were distalized successfully and achieving normal overjet and overbite.
Conclusions: Significant true distalization of lower arch could be obtained by ramus implant as bony anchorage. The method could be used to correct anterior cross bite and mandibular anterior crowding or flaring without extraction.