Thursday, 2 June 2011

Molar Distalization with the Skeletal Pendulum K (Frog):
Biomechanics, Appliances, Case Studies
Modern orthodontists have various fixed appliance systems at their disposal for non-compliant
molar Distalization. The pendulum appliances belong to the group of frictionless, intramaxillary
Distalization systems of intraoral anchorage design. As shown by clinical and experimental
studies, continuous and virtually translatory Distalization of the maxillary molars is possible
because of the specific biomechanics of the Pendulum K appliance, a special modification of the
standard pendulum appliance (initial toe-in bend and up righting activation at the end of the
pendulum spring, Distalization activation of 1.8 N to 2.2 N, reactivation of the system by regular
adjustment of a built-in distal screw). Depending on the form of anchorage, there are two variants
of the Pendulum K appliance: that skeletally anchored to miniscrews or palatal implants, and the
variant anchored to periodontal/soft tissue support.
Dr. Björn Ludwig
Dr. Bjorn Ludwig has his own private orthodontic practice in Traben-
Trarbach, Germany. He is scientific coordinator and Assistant Professor of
the University of Homburg/Saar, Department of Orthodontics. He teaches in
the program of further education for orthodontics in the Association of
Dentists and the University of Frankfurt/Main (Erasmus). His focus of
research work is cortical anchorage with mini-screws and their further clinical
development. He has published more than 60 scientific papers about
miniscrews, cleft palate and interdisciplinary cases. Dr Ludwig gives lectures
and handson courses about mini-screws and lingual treatment worldwide. He
is editor of the book “Mini-implants in orthodontics”, Quintessenz, Berlin,
London and the book “Selfligating brackets” Thieme, Stuttgart. As well as
doing reviews for some major journals, he is co-editor of the journal of clinical orthontics.
Dr. Björn Ludwig
• Studium der Zahnmedizin in Heidelberg
• Weiterbildung zum Fachzahnarzt für
Kieferorthopädie in freier Praxis und
im Anschluss an der Universitätsklinik
Frankfurt am Main
• niedergelassen in eigener Praxis mit
Dr. Bettina Glasl in Traben-Trarbach
• Kongressvorträge und Posterbeiträge
• zahlreiche Veröffentlichungen
• nationale und internationale Fortbildungsveranstaltungen
• Forschung und Entwicklung im Bereich
Miniimplantate
• Herausgeber des Fachbuches „Miniimplantate
in der Kieferorthopädie“
(erschienen im Quintessenz
Verlag, Berlin)
• zwei Buchkapitel-Beiträge
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