The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Mini screws represent a new treatment modality in orthodontic biomechanics. They provide absolute anchorage, no secondary movements and reduced orthodontic treatment time. Futhermore, the surgical procedure for mini implants placement is quite simple and this type of treatment requires no patient compliance. We selected a clinical case in order to emphasize one of the most important indications of the mini implants: retrusion of the upper incisors for a incresed overjet case in a young patient. Two mini implants were placed in order to obtain the correction of the overjet and the retrusion of the anterior teeth. The retrusion was obtained in a reduced period of time using retraction devices on crimpable hooks.
In the past years, mini implants were widely used for different orthodontic situations (uprighting, retrusion of anterior teeth in extraction cases, molar intrusion in anterior open bites, molar protraction, palatal expansion, etc.).
The orthodontic (mini)implants simplify the biomechanics in multiple situations and, in terms of anchorage, they eliminate the need for auxiliary appliances
Flared or protruded maxillary teeth ar usually encountered orthodontic patients with oral habits in history. In order to obtain a good overjet and a better incisor display, mini implants or mini plates can be used for the retrusion of the upper anterior teeth
In order to emphasize one of the major indications of skeletal anchorage with mini implants, a clinical case was selected. A young teenage patient (
Treatment started with orthodontic appliances on the upper arch, Roth 022" prescription. In order to achieve a better retraction of the upper teeth, first bicuspids were extracted. Retraction of the upper incisors with elastics chains placed from crimpable hooks to orthodontic implants.
The working stage of the treatment was done with the use of a rectangular stainless steel archwire 0.019”x0.025” (
The labial inclination of the incisors was corrected and better torque values were obtained. With the use of the temporary anchorage devices, a total of 7 mm of retraction was done in this case.
By moving the incisal edges backward, the upper lip position in regard to the upper frontal teeth was modified. The new position of upper teeth will play a major role in maintaining stability and preventing relapse. A more stable contact was obtained between the incisal edges of the lower anterior teeth and the palatal surface of the upper frontal teeth.
Orthodontic implants positioning is a very important factor in anterior retraction in class I and II patients with alveolar and dental upper protrusion. While conventional procedures can lead to the extrusion of the upper teeth and anchorage loss, bone anchorage can provide a better alternative, especially in gummy smile patients
Whenever the interradicular space provides enough stability and bone quality is appropriate, skeletal anchorage is the best alternative in orthodontic biomechanics.