Implant Orthodontics
The use of implants during orthodontics is geared to enhance the orthodontic treatment. Implants are used as a source of anchorage or for anchorage and as abutments (as supporting teeth/ implants) for restorations like bridges. Implants are also used for osteogenic distraction, and conversely, orthodontics can be used to improve potential implant sites.
The fields of implants and orthodontics are inter-weaved and we can plan both disciplines to their strengths to get a synergistic effect in the treatment outcome.
In planning the biomechanical aspects of orthodontic treatment, it is imperative to consider not only the forces required for the necessary tooth movement to achieve the treatment objectives, but also the undesired tooth movement that may occur in response to these forces. Traditionally, orthodontists have searched for the perfect anchorage in order to minimise these undesired tooth movements. Headgear, elastics, adjacent teeth, and any number of appliances have been suggested as anchorage, and they are still used today however, the main drawback is that they all rely on patient compliance in order to be successful.
Implant anchorage aids the orthodontist in controlling tooth movement. The primary advantage over the previously mentioned forms of anchorage is that implants provide skeletal anchorage, which is undoubtedly more predictable and stable than methods requiring patient compliance. While there are many types of implants available, we are going to explore the miniscrew implant.
Miniscrew implants are favoured as implant anchorage, mainly because of their ease of placement and retrieval. A straightforward procedure at the practice is all that is required to have them placed and removed. They are simply inserted into the gum and bone, just under normal dental local anaesthetic injections. Once placed, the miniscrew implant is available for immediate loading, according to the orthodontic treatment plan. when the time comes to have them removed, they are removed, sometimes using only topical anaesthetic numbing gel, or no pain relief at all!
Since miniscrews are retained in the interdental and interradicular alveolar crest, osseointegration is not required, unlike with normal dental implants used to replace teeth. However, since osseointegration is not required, occasionally minor movement of the miniscrews (loss of anchorage) may occur. A final important consideration in the placement of miniscrews is the precise placement between the roots of adjacent teeth and the risks that may be associated with such a technique and why it is important to have the oral surgeon and the orthodontist work closely together.
Without question, implants have changed, and will continue to change, the way orthodontists approach tooth movement. Movements of teeth that were previously thought difficult—if not impossible—are now possible using implants as anchorage. There are a number of different types of implants being commonly used; however, there is no perfect implant. The orthodontist, and oral surgeon, must carefully consider and weigh the options for implants and their advantages and disadvantages to determine which implant to utilise for each individual case. At Artiste Studios, our team collaborates on such cases seamlessly through shared digital access records, shared philosophy and treatment plans. Rest assured that you will be in good hands.
Give us a call today if you or someone you know has been told that they would need implants and orthodontics.