Micro-Implant Anchorage for Orthodontic Treatment of BialveolarProtrusion: A Case Report

Conventional methods of reinforcing orthodontic anchorage have several disadvantages, including complicated appliance design and the need for exceptional patient cooperation. Recently, Kanomi introduced the use of titanium microscrews and miniscrews for orthodontic anchorage. This case report demonstrates the use of microscrews or mini-implants in a 15-year-old female patient having a convex profile and a Class I skeletal pattern with bialveolar protrusion. Brackets were bonded after extraction of upper and lower first premolar teeth and initial aligning and leveling of teeth was carried out in both the arches. The micro-implants (4 in number) were then inserted buccally in the interdental space between the second premolar and the first molar in both upper and lower arches. For the upper arch 8 mm long and for the lower arch 6 mm long micro-implants [diameter of 1.2 mm] (Dentos Co., Taegu City, Korea) were used. Then en-masse retraction of six anterior teeth was carried out in both upper and lower arches on rectangular 19 × 25 stainless steel archwires with soldered hooks between lateral incisors and canines in each quadrant. Light forces (200 g) were used by applying power chains from the soldered hooks to the microimplants in each quadrant for simultaneous upper and lower retraction It was observed that micro-implant treatment had many advantages: As it does not depend on patient compliance with extraoral appliances, produces an early profile improvement giving the patient even more incentive to cooperate, shortens treatment time by retracting the six anterior teeth simultaneously and provides absolute anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement.