Orthodontic Mini Implants, an Update

Anchorage control is of prime importance in the everyday orthodontic practice being one of the keys for successful orthodontic treatment. Various extra-oral and intra-oral anchorage reinforcing appliances were used but none of them was idea. Implant-like devices inserted into the jawbone have been introduced in orthodontics for the purpose of absolute anchorage provision. These are called Temporary Anchorage Devices. A Temporary Anchorage Device is any device that is temporarily inserted into the bone for the purpose of enhancing orthodontic anchorage. They can be used for various goals such as incisor retraction, molar distalization, intrusion of posterior and anterior teeth for the purpose of correcting deep bite, open bite and canted occlusal planes. Whether made from titanium alloys or surgical Stain- less Steel they have three main parts: head, neck and body. These mini-implants are placed either by self -tapping or self -drilling techniques with comparable success rates. Generally, orthodontic mini implants are shown to be clinically reliable with a modest failure rate of about 13.5%. their success depends on multiple factors including patient related factors, mini-implant related factors and operator related factors. Although their use may result in some complications such as pain, screw failure and fracture they are now considered as the only method for absolute anchorage provision.