Miniature Implants for Orthodontic Anchorage

Abstract

Anchorage control is fundamental to successful orthodontic treatment. Dental implants can serve as ideal anchorage units because of their stability in bone. Previous studies limit the use of existing implants for anchorage because of their large size. Minimizing the size of the implant would reduce the extent of the surgery and may result in a decreased and less traumatic healing period.

The objective of this study was to histomorphometrically analyze the use of miniature implants. A total of 96 miniature implants (1.0 x 5.0 mm; 48 loaded and 48 healing control) were placed in the mandible and maxilla of 8 male dogs. The implants were allowed to heal for three different periods (3, 6, and 12 weeks) followed by 12 weeks of 200 to 300 g of orthodontic force application. Bone specimens containing implants were collected for histomorphometric analysis.

The results indicate that clinical rigidity (osseointegration) was achieved by 96.9 percent of the miniature implants. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the amount of bone contact at the implant-bone interface ranged from 11.3 to 68 percent (mean ± SEM=34.4 ± 4.6 percent) in the healing control groups and from 18.8 to 63 percent (mean=43.l ± 4.0 percent) in the force applied groups in the maxilla. On the other hand, in the mandible, bone-implant contact ranged from 7 to 82 percent (mean=44.1 ± 6.8 percent) in the healing control groups and from 12 to 72 percent (mean=50.7 ± 5.3 percent) in the force applied groups. Results from bone formation rate, mineralizing surface/bone surface and mineral appositional rate showed a significant difference in the 3-week healing control group compared to those in other groups. From these results, we concluded that miniature implants are able to function as rigid osseous anchorage for orthodontics with minimal (less than 3 weeks) healing period. This study was supported by Matsumoto Research fund.