Timing loading and placement of mini-implants and implants as orthodontic anchorage

AIM: The show the benefits, possibilities and limitations of mini-implants to obtain a rigid skeletal anchorage for tooth movements. SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS: Fifty-one patients in whom 35 mini-implants and 37 fixtures to control anchorage were inserted. In some adult patients, orthodontic anchorage may be more difficult to achieve because of missing teeth and wide edentulous spaces. In these situations, the implants may be used initially as skeletal anchorage to facilitate tooth movement, and secondarily as abutments for fixed prostheses. RESULTS: Using the fixtures as skeletal anchorage, resulted in some 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, tuberosity and edentulous areas, demonstrating limitations for the direction of force application. The use of mini-implants as anchorage produces satisfactory result in a short period of time with two minimal surgical procedures, and enables to insert an appliance in any aimed position and carries out easily the tooth movements. This is very important for preventing dental, periodontal, esthetical and psychological problems during orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth movement that is difficult or impossible with conventional tooth-borne and osseointegrated fixture anchorage, is also possible with mini-implants.