EN-MASSE MANDIBULAR ARCH DISTALISATION WITH BUCCAL SHELF SCREWS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

The use of buccal shelf screws (BSS) in orthodontic treatment has significantly expanded the potential for total mandibular arch distalization, addressing challenges associated with Class III malocclusion and mandibular crowding. This review aims to provide an overview of the biomechanical principles, clinical efficacy, and safety of BSS for mandibular arch distalization. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies published between 2010 and 2024. The focus of this review is to integrate the findings, evaluate the success rates, and highlight the advantages of BSS over traditional distalization techniques. We also identify gaps in current research and propose directions for future studies. The findings suggest that BSS provide a stable and effective anchorage, achieving significant distalization with minimal complications. However, long-term stability and the impact of patient-specific factors remain under-explored. Further biomechanical and clinical studies are required to optimize the use of BSS in orthodontics.