The efficacy of two-stage titanium implants as orthodontic anchorage in the preprosthodontic correction of third molars in adults--a report of three cases

Orthodontic movement of teeth is often required to satisfactorily treat a variety of oral rehabilitation problems. Considerable limitations in the clinical application of orthodontic treatment may result from the lack of teeth suitable for anchorage. Three patients with edentulous posterior segments are presented illustrating how implants can be utilized for preprosthodontic correction of impacted third molars rendering them suitable as bridge abutments. The patients have been followed for 8-10 years. Two-stage titanium implants were used as orthodontic anchorage as no dental anchorage was available. Edgewise orthodontic mechanics were used to move the third molars mesially with forces up to 2.5 N (about 250 g). No movement of the implants occurred and they were radiologically and clinically intact at the end of the orthodontic loading and were, therefore, subsequently used as bridge abutments.