Implant anchorage for the occlusal management of developmental defects in children: a preliminary report

Congenital anomalies and developmental defects of the face and jaws often present orthodontic anchorage challenges in which the residual dentition cannot be adequately positioned for restorative objectives. This article presents a method of classification for the formulation of implant-based treatment protocols in children, reviews the application of implants in the developing dentition, and provides guidelines for occlusal treatment. Procedures performed according to the protocols outlined in this article will facilitate orthodontics and orthopedic movement and accelerate three-dimensional jaw movement by sutural distraction of basal bone.