The use of extra-alveolar mini-screws as anchorage in contemporary Orthodontics

Abstract

To present a literature review on extra-alveolar mini-implants and their effectiveness in the treatment of Class II adult patients. Articles published from 2000 onwards in the SciELO, Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched using the descriptors: extra-alveolar mini-implants; osseointegrated implants; Class II Angle; retraction; and their analogues in English. Original articles available in full in English and Portuguese were included. Orthodontic mini-implants have been successfully used as anchorage elements, facilitating orthodontic mechanics, in addition to nullifying undesirable side effects. Titanium mini-implants are used in the interradicular installation technique and steel mini-implants used in the extrarradicular technique can be used to mesialize, distalize, intrude molars, premolars, as well as to retract or intrude canines and incisors. They have an easy surgical procedure, and the patient's cooperation is minimal, only with regard to oral hygiene. The success of treatment with mini-implants depends on factors such as the surgeon's skill, the patient's physical condition, selection of the appropriate site, initial stability and oral hygiene. Extra-alveolar mini-implants have become one of the important anchoring tools during anterior retraction in Class II patients. The buccal shelf area and IZC are the most commented regions nowadays, as they do not influence the orthodontic movement because of its position outside the region of the roots of the teeth. Screw insertion and miniscrew removal methods are considered quick, simple and painless, apart from demonstrate excellent balance during treatment.