Skeletal anchorage for tooth movements : mini-implants vs. osseointegrated implants

This clinical evaluation showed the benefits, possibilities and limits of mini-implant to obtain a rigid skeletal anchorage for tooth movements. The study utilized 21 patients, 22 mini-implants and 24 fixtures were inserted to control anchorage. The mini-implant K1 system consisted of a pure titanium micro anchor screw and an abutment hook. It had 3 lengths ( 4, 6, 8 mm) with same diameter of 1, 2 mm, and needed of two minimal surgical procedures. The use of osseointegrated implants as anchorage showed more problems because of severity of surgery, the discomfort of initial healing, a longer period of treatment time and they could only be inserted in retromolar, tuber and edentulous areas, evidencing limitations for the direction of force application. The use of mini-implants as anchorage in tooth movement, produced a satisfactory result in a short period of time - simple surgical approach and with minimum tissue surgical invasion. This is very important for preventing dental, periodontal, esthetical and psychological problems during multidisciplinary treatment. The use of mini-implants as temporary anchorage enables to insert an appliance in any aimed position and carries out easily the tooth movement.