Dentoskeletal and Soft Tissue Effects of Intrusion and Retraction of Maxillary Anteriors Using Three Mini-Implants

Dental intrusion often constitutes an integral part of orthodontic treatment in order to improve sagittal and vertical incisor relationships and consequently, the gingival line, and restore the aesthetics of smiling. The use of mini-implants as skeletal anchorage has seen a dramatic compliance from patients, who would otherwise have not preferred to undergo a surgical option. A prospective clinical study was conducted to evaluate the dental, skeletal and soft tissue effects of intrusion and retraction of maxillary anterior teeth using three mini-implants.

Twenty-two patients seeking orthodontic treatment requiring intrusion and retraction of maxillary anterior teeth as part of treatment were selected as study samples. After initial levelling and alignment, mini-implants were placed into the alveolar bone between the roots of the maxillary first molar and second premolar on either side and one into the alveolar bone between the roots of the maxillary central incisors. A total of 22 parameters were evaluated from the lateral cephalograms, taken before initiation of retraction and intrusion and immediately after complete space closure and intrusion.

A paired t -test was used to compare the changes.

Mini-implants provide absolute anchorage in both horizontal and vertical planes, bringing about significant dental, skeletal and soft tissue changes, and absolute intrusion and retraction of maxillary anterior teeth can be achieved without significant changes in incisor angulation.