The use of segmental corticotomy to enhance molar distalization

Corticotomy has long been used in orthodontic treatment to accelerate dental movement and improve its efficacy, and to reduce the appearance of undesired phenomena such as root resorption, loss of vitality and relapse of the corrections carried out. In the clinical case presented here, a freeze-dried bovine bone implant was used on the vestibular side of the alveolus after selective buccal and palatal decortication of the upper molars for the following reasons: 1. bleeding and capillary proliferation in the bone marrow is stimulated by corticotomy, creating the perfect bed for a bone implant; 2. corticotomy determines an area of transitory secondary osteoporosis and greatly reduced bone density; 3. distalization of the molars is a distolateral movement and tends therefore to move the teeth “out” of the alveolus; 4. Dehiscence, fenestration and gingival recession are frequent in molar areas, but can all be improved by good osteoconductive properties of the graft.