Maxillary incisors changes during space closure with conventional and skeletal anchorage methods: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Biomechanics

Background:

• Conventional anchorage techniques for space closure can lead to undesirable tooth movements.
• Mini-implants have emerged as an alternative for skeletal anchorage, offering more precise control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically compare antero-posterior, vertical, and angular changes of maxillary incisors using conventional anchorage versus mini-implant based space closure.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.) was conducted.
• Six studies met inclusion criteria, with data extracted on incisor changes, overbite, soft tissue, biomechanics, root resorption, and treatment duration.
• Methodological quality of included studies was assessed.

Main Results:

• Mini-implants, particularly those placed buccally, demonstrated greater incisor retraction than conventional anchorage.
• Buccal mini-implants induced incisor intrusion, whereas conventional anchorage resulted in extrusion.
• Limited data were available on biomechanical factors and adverse effects like root resorption.

Conclusions:

• Mini-implants provide distinct advantages in controlling incisor movement during space closure.
• Further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to investigate biomechanical variables and utilize 3D quantification for comprehensive analysis of incisor changes.