The Impact of Mini‐Screws and Micro‐Implants on Orthodontic Clinical Outcomes: An Umbrella Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives This umbrella meta‐analysis aimed to answer the clinical question: Do mini‐screws and micro‐implants improve specific orthodontic outcomes such as intermolar width, interpremolar width, suture expansion, molar movement, and skeletal width compared to conventional anchorage methods? Materials and Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to October 2024. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on mini‐screws and micro‐implants in orthodontic treatment were included. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2, and a random‐effects model was used to calculate effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I ² statistic and Cochrane's Q‐test, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses conducted to identify sources of heterogeneity. Results Eleven meta‐analyses comprising 50 data sets were included. The results indicated that mini‐screws significantly increased intermolar width (ES: 2.61 mm, 95% CI: 0.29–4.92, p = 0.02) and skeletal width (ES: 3.33 mm, 95% CI: 1.37–5.29, p = 0.001). However, no significant impact was found on interpremolar width or alveolar width before and after MARPE. Micro‐implants significantly reduced molar movement (ES: −1.13 mm, 95% CI: −1.99 to −0.26, p = 0.01). Substantial heterogeneity was noted across several outcomes ( I ² > 50%), which persisted despite subgroup analyses. Conclusion Mini‐screws and micro‐implants enhance skeletal and intermolar width and control molar movement in orthodontic treatment. However, their effects on other outcomes are inconsistent, warranting further high‐quality studies to strengthen clinical recommendations. Trial Registration: PROSPERRO (CRD42023447137).