1Reader, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India
2Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences & Research Dental College & Hospital, Ferozepur, Punjab, India
3Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley
4Assocaite Professor, Department of Periodontology, Bhojia Dental College and Hospital, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India
5Associate Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Bhojia Dental College and Hospital, Himachal Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author: Ankit Goyal, Reader, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India, Email: ankit.goyal18@gmail.com
Online published on 31 January, 2025.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the success and failure rates of orthodontic mini-screws and identify factors influencing their stability and clinical outcomes.
21 patients seeking orthodontic treatment involving mini-screws were evaluated. Among these, 12 patients, aged 14 to 50 years (average age 45), received mini-screw placement and follow-up care. A total of 50 self-drilling, cylindro-conical titanium alloy mini-screws were used. Small head (SH) mini-screws were preferred over circle head (CH) variants. Most screws were placed in the maxilla, on the buccal side, and in posterior regions, with some located between the second premolar and first premolar. In majority of cases, placement respected the attached gingiva. Data from these records were analyzed using statistical software to assess failure rates and contributing factors.
Regarding the number of screws in the force system, failure rates ranged from 25% to 60%. Systems with no screws activated had a failure rate of 60%, while systems with one, two, or three screws showed rates of 37.5%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. Systems with four screws exhibited a 40% failure rate. For the angle of insertion, screws placed at 40-45° had a failure rate of 25%, whereas those at 90° showed a higher failure rate of 31%. Similarly, the duration of use influenced outcomes, with screws failing at rates of 33.33% for those not in use, 43% for durations under three months, 25% for three to six months, and 37.5% for over six months. Failure rates also varied by connection type. Screws with no connection had a 33.33% failure rate, those with indirect connections failed at a rate of 30%, and screws with direct connections had a failure rate of 33.33%.
The success of orthodontic mini-screws is influenced by multiple variables, and variability in results across studies highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes to refine their application.
Mini-implants, Orthodontic, Implantation
