The effectiveness of osseointegrated implants in providing orthodontic anchorage was evaluated in this prospective clinical study. Fourteen 10-mm titanium fixtures were placed bilaterally in seven patients who were missing mandibular molars. Standard orthodontic alignment and arch leveling were accomplished during the 4− to 6-month healing time. A single tooth abutment was placed and the height was reduced to avoid contact with the maxillary teeth. A custom composite crown with an edgewise bracket was placed over the abutment. Each patient was treated with standard edgewise orthodontic appliances of straight wire modification. Using a rectangular wire, forces of 150 to 400 g were applied from the implant to the orthodontic appliances. Protraction or retraction were accomplished with anchorage provided from the abutments. All implants remained stable during treatment. At the completion of orthodontic treatment a restoration was placed or the abutment cover was removed, a cover screw placed, and the fixture covered with soft tissue. Minor complications encountered in this study were difficulty with surgical access in placing implants in the third molar region and loosening of abutment screws. The authors conclude that osseointegrated implants appear to be able to provide intraoral fixed anchorage for orthodontic treatment.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kw et al. (1992) studied this question.