Skeletal anchorage with mini-implant: a review study

Abstract

To discuss the main features of mini-implants, as well as their advantages for the success of treatments that require skeletal anchorage. The chosen design was a narrative literature review. The search for articles was performed digitally in the Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Google Scholar databases, using the following descriptors: orthodontic anchorage procedure; skeletal anchorage; orthodontics; mini-implants. Publications related to the objectives listed in the research, published in the last 16 years, and available in full text were included. Duplicate articles were excluded. According to the analysis of the reviewed literature, mini-implants represent an innovation in the world of Orthodontics, as a skeletal anchorage device, eliminating undesirable dental movements caused when teeth are used as anchorage elements, bringing several benefits with the purpose of reducing treatment time, in addition to ease of removal and installation and not requiring patient cooperation after installation. The functionality of mini-implants, movement control, and alternative in periodontally compromised patients with missing teeth were among the main advantages reported. The reduced need for the use of extraoral accessories, reduction in treatment time, minimal tilting effects on other teeth, affordable cost, and not requiring patient cooperation were other beneficial aspects cited in the literature.