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Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Quantitative assessment of orthodontic mini-implant displacement: the effect of initial force application
Alexandra Ioana Holst1, Matthias Karl, Marek Karolczak
1University Clinic Erlangen, Dental Clinic 3-Department of Orthodontics, Erlangen, Germany. alexandra.holst@uk-erlangen.de
Objective:
Primary stability and micromovement of orthodontic mini-implants depends on a number of factors and influences clinical success or failure. The purpose of this study was to assess the behavior of orthodontic mini-implants upon initial load application.
Method And Materials:
Orthodontic mini-implants (n = 39) were inserted in the alveolar process of maxillary human cadaver specimens (n = 10). Increasing horizontal forces (up to 2.5 N) were applied, and triggered images were taken in 0.5-N load intervals. Additionally, peri-implant parameters based on micro-CT volume data were recorded. Data were subjected to a two-sided nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test, and between-group comparisons were assessed with a Mann-Whitney test (alpha = .05).
Results:
Initial load application led to displacement beyond elastic recovery of the surrounding bone after force release (P < .001). Cortical thickness and insertion depth, despite numeric differences, did not reveal any statistical differences, while displacement of mini-implants was significantly affected by contact to neighboring teeth (P < .001).
Conclusions:
Insertion technique and initial load application on orthodontic mini-implants may be regarded as two crucial factors for success, while repeated application of orthodontic force does not seem to increase screw mobility.
