Pre-Prosthetic mini-implant supported orthodontic molar intrusion- An unconventional approach: A twin case report

Aim: To demonstrate two cases in which mini-implant supported orthodontic molar intrusion has been performed to regain ideal crown height space for implant prosthesis. Background: Tooth loss is associated with esthetic, functional and psychological consequences on an individual. Replacement of missing teeth by dental implants has gained significant importance due to promising advantages of implants over conventional prosthesis. Edentulism often results in supra-eruption of antagonistic teeth into the edentulous site resulting in reduced vertical dimension for tooth replacement, posing a restorative challenge for clinicians. Hence, it is necessary to regain the lost vertical dimension prior to the implant prosthesis, either conventionally by endodontic and prosthetic intervention or by orthodontic intrusion with the aid of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs). Mini-implants are a category of TADs that provide a minimally invasive technique for molar intrusion. Case description: Two patients with missing mandibular molars, desiring tooth replacement presented with supra-eruption of antagonist teeth, posing a difficulty during prosthetic treatment. Orthodontic intrusion using mini-implants was performed to regain the lost vertical space simultaneously along with dental implant placement followed by prosthetic rehabilitation. Conclusion: The present twin case report demonstrates the successful role of mini-implants in orthodontic molar intrusion for establishing an ideal crown height space for implant prosthesis to re-establish masticatory function. Clinical significance: The twin case report demonstrates mini-implant supported orthodontic molar intrusion as a replacement for conventional gross tooth reduction, for regaining the lost vertical space in cases of supra-eruption of maxillary molar associated with edentulism.