Mini- and micro-screws for temporary skeletal anchorage in orthodontic therapy.
OBJECTIVE
Mini- and micro-screws are of increasing interest in orthodontic therapy in cases where maximum anchorage is requested. In this study we aimed to identify the criteria that influence the clinical success of micro-implants.


METHODS
239 micro-implants were inserted for skeletal anchorage in 85 patients undergoing orthodontic therapy. The survival rates of the first 133 implants were analyzed and those results were later applied in treating subsequent patients.


RESULTS
In so doing, we were able to reduce the loss rate from 23% to 5%. Using thicker implants on the labial side of the lower jaw and the lingual side of the upper jaw was an important factor in reducing failure rates. We found the lower jaw's lingual side to be an inadequate region for inserting micro-implants. Thinner micro-implants were selected for the upper jaw's labial side.


CONCLUSIONS
By following these guidelines, practitioners may find mini- and micro-screws to offer reliable orthodontic support.
Berens
Axel
A
Department of Orthodontics, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30519 Hannover, Germany. AxelBerens@web.de
Wiechmann
Dirk
D
Dempf
Rupert
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000295:instrumentation*; D053441:Suture Anchors; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000628:therapy; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*