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Published on: October 18, 2021
Application of orthodontic mini-implants in adolescents
M Motoyoshi1, M Matsuoka, N Shimizu
1Department of Orthodontics, Division of Clinical Research, Dental Research Center, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. motoyoshi@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp
Summary
A 3-month latent period significantly improves orthodontic mini-implant success rates in adolescents. Early loading (<1 month) in adolescents resulted in a lower success rate compared to late loading or adult groups.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Orthodontic mini-implants offer skeletal anchorage for complex tooth movements.
- Adolescent patients present unique challenges for mini-implant stability due to ongoing skeletal development.
- Optimizing mini-implant placement and loading protocols is crucial for predictable clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success rate of orthodontic mini-implants in adolescent patients.
- To investigate the necessity and optimal duration of a latent period before loading.
- To determine the influence of placement torque on mini-implant success in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 57 orthodontic patients (ages 11.7-36.1 years) received 169 mini-implants.
- Success was defined as implant stability for ≥6 months under orthodontic force.
- Patients were categorized into early-load (adolescents, <1 month latent period), late-load (adolescents, 3-month latent period), and adult groups.
Main Results:
- Overall mini-implant success rates were: 63.8% (early-load adolescents), 97.2% (late-load adolescents), and 91.9% (adults).
- The early-load adolescent group showed significantly lower success rates (P<0.01) compared to other groups.
- A placement torque of 5-10 N cm showed higher success in the maxilla of the early-load adolescent group, but an optimal torque was not definitively established.
Conclusions:
- A minimum 3-month latent period is recommended before loading orthodontic mini-implants in adolescent patients to enhance success rates.
- Early loading of mini-implants in adolescents is associated with significantly compromised stability.
- Further research may be needed to define optimal placement torque parameters for adolescent mini-implants.