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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Midpalatal implants for orthodontic anchorage
Silvia Spivakovsky1, Analia V Keenan
1NYU College of Dentistry, New York, USA.
Design:
Randomised controlled trial.
Intervention:
Patients with various malocclusions in which any forward movement of the molars would prevent achievement of an ideal Class I canine relationship were randomly allocated to either the headgear or the implant group. Randomisation was carried out by using a block design and computer-generated random numbers. The allocations were concealed in consecutively numbered, sealed envelopes.
Outcome Measure:
The outcomes were; surgical and orthodontic success rates of the implants, the number of visits, the length of treatment time and the success of treatment as judged by the peer assessment rating (PAR) score reductions and the patients' attitudes to implant placement.
Results:
The surgical success rate of the implants was 75% and the orthodontic success rate was more than 90%. Both implants and headgear proved to be effective methods of reinforcing anchorage. The total number of visits was greater in the implant group, but the overall treatment times were almost identical. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in PAR scores either at the start or the end of treatment, and the percentages of PAR score reductions were almost identical. The patients had no problems accepting midpalatal implants as a method of reinforcing anchorage.
Conclusions:
The use of palatal implants to reinforce anchorage was as effective as extraoral anchorage with headgear.
