Orthodontic Microscrews for Stabilizing Surgical Guide in Edentulous Mandibular Patients

Guided surgery has revolutionized dental implant procedures. However, severe mandibular ridge atrophy can compromise the stability of surgical guides, affecting the predictability of implant pla-cement. This paper presents a novel technique that uses orthodontic microscrews to stabilize both radiographic and surgical guides, thereby improving implant accuracy and reducing neurological risks related to the localization of the mental foramen.Introduction: Severe bone atrophy in edentulous mandibular patients poses a significant cha-llenge for guided implant surgery, often compromising guide stability and making it necessary to use innovative solutions for precise implant placement. While digital planning enhances accuracy, factors such as mucosal resilience and guide misalignment can affect outcomes, with deviations in some cases reaching up to 2.00 mm at the cervical level and 2.41 mm at the apical level, with angular deviations reported at 4.98 ± 2.16° (Azevedo, 2024). This study proposes a technique employing orthodontic microscrews to stabilize guides during surgical procedures.Technique: This technique involves fabricating removable dentures with designated spaces in the intaglio surface for orthodontic microscrew stabilization, enabling secure guide fixation during scanning. Radiopaque markers aid in aligning the guide, allowing for accurate 3D implant positio-ning. 3D-printed surgical guides, incorporating microscrew retentive spaces, ensure intraoperative stability and precise drilling.Results: The technique demonstrates successful stabilization of both radiographic and surgical guides. Orthodontic microscrews act as fixed reference points for mental foramen localization, en-hancing the accuracy of flap design and minimizing the risk of nerve injury.Conclusion: Orthodontic microscrews offer a valuable solution for stabilizing guides in edentulous mandibular patients, reducing both surgical and planning complications. Further studies are nee-ded to confirm the consistency and effectiveness of this technique.