Orthodontic implants as anchorage appliances for unilateral mesialization: a case report

Space closure from distal to mesial is one of the most difficult orthodontic tasks. Toothborne anchorage limits the scale of tooth movement. Extraoral or intraoral appliances are used especially for unilateral space closure. As an alternative to conventional mesialization appliances, osseointegrated implants may be used for maximum anchorage in orthodontic treatment. Temporary implants inserted in the palatal suture are most common in maxillary treatment. In the case presented, temporary implants were placed in the palatal bone of a 17-year-old male patient with hypodontia of the mandibular central incisors and second premolars and the maxillary left second premolar for mesialization of the molars. Slight irritations of the tongue were registered in the first 2 weeks of use of the palatal implant. There were no other effects during treatment.