Evaluation of the effects of different surface configurations on stability of miniscrews.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of screw design and force application on the stability of miniscrews, using RTT, SEM, and histomorphometric analyses.


METHODS
Eighty cylindrical, self-drilling, and Ti6Al4V alloy miniscrews (1,6 × 6 mm) were used. Four mini-screws were inserted in fibulas of each rabbit, and 115 G of force was immediately applied. Four miniscrews were inserted in the other fibula, on which no force was applied. Eight weeks after insertion, osseointegration between miniscrew and the surrounding bone was evaluated by the histomorphometric analyses, SEM, and RTT. Kruskal-Wallis and the paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Values obtained from Group I were significantly higher than those of the other loaded groups (P < .05). There were no differences in RTT scores among Groups II, III, and IV. Similar findings were also observed for unloaded mini-screws. There was no significant difference between Groups I and I(C), while the differences between loaded and unloaded controls for each miniscrew were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Immediate loading of miniscrews does not impair screw stability. Also, the diameter of miniscrew and more frequent thread pitches have a positive effect on stability; however, length of miniscrews does not have a significant effect on the stability.
Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Gaziantep, Sehitkamil, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey. dentisttolga@hotmail.com
Tolga
T
Topcuoglu
A Altuğ
AA
Bicakci
M Cihat
MC
Avunduk
Z Deniz
ZD
Sahin Inan
D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws; D003813:Dentistry; D011817:Rabbits; D013499:Surface Properties