Pendulum Appliance
A fixed intra-oral device used to distalize upper molars through spring-loaded titanium alloy arms attached to a palatal acrylic 'Nance' button.
Full Definition
The Pendulum appliance, introduced by Hilgers in 1992, is a non-extraction space-gaining device that exerts a controlled distal force on the upper first molars via pre-activated titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) springs anchored to a palatal acrylic pad. It is documented in treatment records, clinical case reports, and comparative studies evaluating molar distalization efficiency. Editors should capitalise 'Pendulum' as it refers to a named appliance. It must not be confused with the Pendex variant, which includes an additional expansion screw, or with other distalizing appliances such as the Jones Jig or Herbst appliance.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise 'Pendulum' as the name of a specific appliance. Distinguish from the Pendex variant and from headgear-based distalization in clinical copy.
In Context
- "A Pendulum appliance was fitted to distalize the upper first molars by approximately 4 mm before fixed appliance placement." — Clinical case report
- "The study compares the Pendulum appliance with TAD-supported distalization mechanics; ensure appliance names are capitalised consistently." — Journal manuscript edit