Micro-implant anchorage in adolescent orthodontics: a promising and advantageous option.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the influence of micro-implant anchorage (MIA) on the orthodontic efficacy, safety, and oral health of adolescents.

Methods: A total of 113 adolescent orthodontic patients treated during January 2019 to January 2021 were selected for study. Among them, 55 received traditional orthodontic treatment (reference group) and 58 underwent MIA (research group). The efficacy, orthodontic effect (molar displacement, upper central incisor [UCI] inclination, and convex distance differences), safety (oral infection, soft tissue edema, loose teeth, discomfort), oral health status (oral health-related quality of life [OHRQOL]), oral micro-ecological environment (detection rate of oral pathogens), gingiva-related indices (plaque index [PLI], sulcus bleeding index [SBI], and gingival index [GI]), masticatory function (bite force, masticatory efficiency), and orthodontic satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

Results: The total effective rate and OHRQOL score of the research group were markedly higher compared with the reference group. Additionally, the research group reported lower molar displacement, PLI, SBI, and GI, and higher UCI inclination, convex distance, bite force, masticatory efficiency, and orthodontic satisfaction. Besides, the overall adverse reaction rate and oral pathogen detection rate were statistically lower in the research group.

Conclusion: MIA is highly effective in adolescent orthodontics, significantly improving oral health, the oral microecological environment, gingival condition, masticatory function, and orthodontic satisfaction. It offers better orthodontic outcomes and higher safety.