Comparing the Efficiency of Infrazygomatic Crest (IZC) Screws and Conventional Method for Anterior Retraction in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment for Class 2 Malocclusion: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Introduction In orthodontic treatment for class 2 malocclusion, conventional approaches involve extracting the upper first premolars and using methods like en masse retraction and extra-oral or intra-oral distalization. However, these often result in unintended forces and adverse effects. Contemporary techniques, such as maxillary arch distalization with mini-implants like infrazygomatic crest (IZC) implants, offer superior outcomes. IZC implants provide a safe, flexible, and effective site for implant placement, achieving a remarkable 93.7% success rate. Power arms enable precise control, allowing orthodontists to apply controlled forces for optimal tooth movement. This study aims to compare cephalometric parameters pre and post treatment using IZC/buccal shelf (BS) screws and conventional retraction, assessing the efficiency of IZC screws in maintaining arch length during teeth retraction. Methods In a split-mouth study at Yenepoya Dental College, 40 orthodontic patients aged 18-35 were divided into control (premolar extraction, anterior retraction) and study (third molar removal, IZC screw distalization) groups. The control group used a nitinol spring/E chain for retraction, while the study group employed IZC screw-assisted en masse distalization. Regular reviews and adjustments occurred, with radiographs and study models assessed after six months for cephalometric parameters and arch length. Results A significant difference was found in U1-SN (degree), L1-Apog (in mm), L1-NB (degree), and L1-NB (in mm) of pretreatment records, whereas all other measurements showed statistically similar values between conventional and IZC groups. Improvement was higher with the conventional group when compared with IZC groups in these measurements due to the extraction of the first premolars rather than third molar extraction and distalization. However, the IZC group also showed statistically significant improvement in cephalometric parameters such as U1-SN (degree), L1-Apog (in mm), L1-NB (degree), and L1-NB (in mm). Conclusion  The statistical analysis of radiographic and cast measurements in both the maxilla and mandible demonstrated a significant efficiency of IZC screws in teeth retraction while preserving arch length compared to conventional methods. Nevertheless, to strengthen the findings of our study, additional clinical investigations on IZC screws are warranted.