Effectiveness of Auxiliary Segmental Lingual Appliances in Leveling the Curve of Wilson at Second Molars

This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of auxiliary segmental lingual appliances in leveling the Curve of Wilson at the second molars in patients undergoing labial fixed orthodontic treatment. The study will recruit patients who exhibit an excessive (deep) Curve of Wilson at the second molar bilaterally (meaning lingually inclined mandibular second molar). A split-mouth design will be employed, where one side of the mouth will receive the intervention (auxiliary segmental lingual appliances), and the other side will serve as the control.

The primary variables measured include the Curve of Wilson at the second and first molars, and the distance from the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps of the second molar to the occlusal plane of the first molar. These measurements will be taken using digital impressions at three different time points: baseline (T0), after leveling with a stainless steel labial archwire (T1), and three months after the application of the auxiliary segmental lingual appliances.

The study aims to compare the effectiveness of the auxiliary segmental lingual appliances by analyzing the differences between the intervention and control sides. This comparison will help determine the impact of the appliances on achieving a more balanced and functional occlusal plane, potentially improving orthodontic treatment outcomes for patients with malocclusion issues.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing labial fixed orthodontic treatment.
• Patients exhibiting an excessive (deep) Curve of Wilson at the second molar bilaterally (meaning lingually inclined mandibular second molar).
• Patients willing to participate and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with limited mouth opening and gagging reflex preventing placement of auxiliary segmental lingual appliances.