Moderately roughened- and roughened-surface implants used as rigid orthodontic anchorage: a case series

Osseointegrated implants, especially Brånemark turned-surface implants, have been shown to function as stable and efficient orthodontic anchors. While it is generally accepted that prostheses can be attached to implants that have been used as anchors, it has not been clarified if the same applies to moderately roughened- and roughened-surface implants.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the differences between moderately roughened- and roughened-surface implants that are used as orthodontic anchors and then bonded with prostheses and those that are bonded with prostheses without serving as orthodontic anchors.

A total of 43 moderately roughened- and roughened-surface implants (ITI titanium plasma spray TPS] Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland], ITI sandblasted large-grit acid-etched SLA] Straumann AG], Nobel TiUnite Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden]) were placed in 11 partially edentulous patients, aged 35-61 years (two men and nine women). After an appropriate healing period, orthodontic therapy was performed in 11 patients using 27 implants as orthodontic anchors. After completion of the orthodontic therapy, the prostheses were attached at the same time to both types of implants: the 27 implants that were used as anchors, and 16 implants that were not used as anchors. All 11 patients were followed up regularly.

Regardless of use as orthodontic anchorage, all implants maintained osseointegration and continued to function properly.

No differences existed in therapeutic results after prosthesis bonding whether or not moderately roughened- and roughened-surface implants were used as orthodontic anchors.