A descriptive review on the use of skeletal anchorage in orthodontics (Part I)

Anchorage has been defined as a resistance to unwanted tooth movement. It is imperative for the treatment of both dental and skeletal malocclusions. Skeletal anchorage provides better chances to obtain absolute anchorage in orthodontic tooth movement. The topic of skeletal anchorage is vast and compiling it in one single article will be an injustice to the readers. So, we have divided this into two review articles under the headings of introduction, evolution and historical background, the means of skeletal anchorage which will be discussed in this first part followed by the design and function of screw-type orthodontic mini-implants, placement sites, surgical procedures, loading approaches, biocortical and resorbable implants and conclusion in the second part.