Histomorphometric evaluation of cortical bone thickness surrounding miniscrew for orthodontic anchorage

Recently, the use of miniscrews as an anchorage device has become a routine approach in the orthodontic field. However, there is no report that has analyzed the healing process of the miniscrew, such as the thickness of the cortical bone, in the past.

In the present study, to histologically assess the healing process of the osseous tissue surrounding miniscrews used as an orthodontic anchorage, the change in the thickness of the cortical bone was analyzed after 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the placement. Furthermore, the change in the bone-implant contact in different regions of the miniscrew during the initial healing period was also investigated.

Ninety-six miniscrews were placed in eight beagle dogs. After 3, 6, and 12 weeks of healing, a force of 200-300 g was applied to the force-applied groups for 12 weeks. Non-forced groups remained in the jaw without force application.

In the non-forced groups, a significant amount of cortical bone was formed at the head of the miniscrew at the initial stage of the healing process in the maxilla. However, less cortical bone formation was observed in the mandible. After the force application, increased bone formation was observed within 1 mm of the miniscrew compared to other regions in both jaws. In the mandible, significantly less cortical bone was observed 3 and 6 weeks after the force application. Bone-implant contact revealed that the osseous tissue surrounding the miniscrew matured from the apex toward the head of the miniscrew.

We suggest that this sufficient amount of cortical bone at the initial stage of healing enables the immediate loading in miniscrews to resist against orthodontic force. Furthermore, less amount of cortical bone formed at the head of the miniscrew may be one reason for the higher failure rate in the mandible.