AUSOM: a 3D placement guide for orthodontic mini-implants

Anchorage management is an important issue in orthodontic treatment and plays a big role in the success or failure of orthodontic treatment. Using a mini-implant system as skeletal anchorage is a suitable solution if maximum or absolute anchorage control is required. Applying mini-implants requires pinpointing their optimal position to prevent damaging adjacent anatomical structures. There are three considerations in locating proper mini-implant position: the point of implant insertion, the angle of implant insertion in the anterior-posterior direction, and the angulation of implant insertion in the vertical plane. Here, we illustrate a new three-dimensional mini-implant guide (Aleppo University Surgical Orthodontic Miniscrew Guide [AUSOM]) developed for determination of ideal mini-implant placement and demonstrate AUSOM's role in mini-implant success.

After reviewing of articles about mini-implants in orthodontic treatment, we determined the characteristics of an ideal orthodontic implant guide (IOIG). We invented a new instrument, AUSOM, that consists of four components: a horizontal part, a vertical part, a graduation guide, and film-holding part. Forty mini-implants were inserted for orthodontic treatment purposes; AUSOM and wire guides were used to insert the mini-implants.

We found AUSOM to be a practical and accurate device. It works as a radiographic-locating device and a mini-implant surgical placement guide. The failure rate of mini-implants placed by AUSOM was lower than that of those placed by simple metallic guides. Clinical randomized studies must be carried out to prove AUSOM's role in improving the success rate of mini-implant placement.