Intraoral clinical evaluation of effectiveness of mini-implants in orthodontic patients with premolar extraction

Introduction: Anchorage has been the most important factor of consideration which determines the treatment success and result of orthodontic treatment. Preserving anchorage during retraction has been a challenge for orthodontist with conventional mechanics. Objective: The study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of orthodontic mini-implants in providing anchorage for the closure of premolar extraction. To evaluate the success rate, positional stability, clinical effectiveness of mini-implants and patient experiences with the implants with the help of a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: 15 patients between the age group of 15-25 years were selected who had a treatment protocol for extraction of first upper and lower premolars and had maximum anchorage requirement. The mini-implant of 1.3 mm in diameter and 8 mm in length were placed in the interdental region in the buccal alveolus between the second premolar and the first molar in each quadrant of maxilla and mandible, and were loaded with Ni-Ti coil spring. Primary and secondary outcomes of implants placement was checked. Results: The success rate of the immediately loaded OMIs in the study was 83.33%with a higher success rate on left side. Pain and peri-implantitis was the only complication observed. Avoidance of the headgear during the treatment was one of the most important motivating factor for patients to opt for OMIs during the study. Conclusion: Orthodontic mini-implants can be used as an excellent source of anchorage. OMIs were very well accepted by the patient as an alternative to headgear for anchorage augmentation.