In orthodontics, in order to move a tooth, other teeth in the same or the opposite jaw are used. Various devices are used to minimise any movement of these supports, such as the extra – oral headgear. Despite this, these supports often show unwanted movement, sometimes having dramatic effects on orthodontic treatment. The alternative solution for maximising support is orthodontic micro – implants. Orthodontic micro-implants are tiny screws a few millimetres long, made of a titanium alloy that prevents their integration into the bone, which is undesirable in the given case.

Their placement aims to maximise support during orthodontic movement during an orthodontic treatment. Depending on the purpose they perform, their size varies in length, in their head, in their cross-section and even in the direction they screw.

Micro – implants are placed in appropriate parts of the oral cavity, usually in the jaws, between the roots of the teeth, but also on the side of the lip or on the side of the palate. They are not visible, while the patient does not feel any discomfort, except for the head of the micro-implant that protrudes from the gums.

The placing procedure is simple, takes just a few minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia, without creating an extensive surgical wound or stitches. Then, the orthodontist rests on the temporary implants the orthodontic forces to straighten the teeth using a bracket-hook, so that the teeth move in the desired direction. Unlike implants to replace teeth that stay in forever micro-implants are removed at the end of orthodontic treatment easily and painlessly, usually without local anaesthesia, while healing is immediate.

The use of temporary implants has increased significantly in recent years in the field of orthodontics, being at the same time a modern technique for achieving perfectly controlled orthodontic movements.

In several cases it is no longer necessary to apply other methods such as?

  • The placement of an extra oral orthodontic device
  • Orthognathic surgery
  • The arrangement or removal of healthy teeth.

Finally, micro-implants are particularly popular in the treatments of adults in ‘lingual orthodontics’, while their application will increase rapidly in the future in a wider range of orthodontic practices contributing to the further development of the Orthodontic Specialty! At Great Smile Orthodontic clinic we are characterised by deep knowledge of orthodontic techniques, providing the best possible solution that fits to your special needs!