Load-related bone modelling at the interface of orthodontic micro-implants

The purpose of this study was to determine the interface reaction of two different titanium micro-implant systems activated with different load regimens. A total of 200 micro-implants (100 Abso Anchor and 100 Dual Top) were placed in the mandible of eight Göttinger minipigs. Two implants each were immediately loaded in the opposite direction by various forces (100, 300 or 500 cN) through tension coils. Three different distances between the neck of the implant and the bone rim (1, 2, 3 mm) were used. The loads provided by superelastic tension coils (which are known to develop a virtually constant force) led to a range of tip moments 0-900 cN mm at the neck of implants. Non-loaded implants were used as a reference. Bone tissue responses were evaluated by histology, histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy after 22 and 70 days of loading. Implant loosening was present in the groups where the load reached 900 cN mm. No movement of implants through the bone was found in the experimental groups, for any of the applied loads. A direct bone-to-implant contact to various extents was observed at differently loaded implants. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the clinical and histological finding that implants (except when loaded at 900 cN mm) were well osseointegrated after 22 days. An increase in the bone-to-implant contact ratio was observed during the experimental period in the coronal part of the implants in most experimental groups. The difference reached a level of statistical significance at 500 cN mm (Abso Anchor) and 600 cN mm (Dual Top). We conclude that micro-implants can not only be loaded immediately without impairment of implant stability but many enhance bone formation at the interface when the load-related biomechanics do not exceed an upper limit of tip moment at the bone rim.