Progressive bone adaptation of titanium implants during and after orthodontic load in humans

The aim of the present work was the evaluation of implant stability and periimplant bone reaction by histologic and clinical evaluation after therapeutic orthodontic loads. Forty-one adult patients received titanium implants as an orthodontic anchorage device; 12 patients received a retromolar or palatal implant to obtain tooth movement. Seven implants were removed at the end of the orthodontic therapy, after 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of orthodontic load, and processed for histologic examination. It was possible to distalize maxillary and mandibular molars and a group of teeth (molars and premolars), and to obtain tipping, uprighting, intrusion, extrusion, and transfer of anchorage in other parts of the mouth. The results showed that orthodontic therapy is facilitated and quickened by the use of implants. All implants remained stable in the bone up to 12 months of loading, and all were osseointegrated. Microfractures, microcracks, and microcalli were observed around implants that had been placed in both low- and high-density bone. The remodeling rate was still elevated after 18 months.