Placement of orthodontic mini-implants

A microimplant in orthodontics is a compact titanium screw with a diameter of only 1.5–2 mm and a length of up to 12 mm, which is inserted into the jawbone to correct the position of the teeth. Thanks to its special design, the microimplant is easily installed and painlessly removed from the bone, without requiring significant volume or quality of the bone tissue. This allows patients to achieve the correct bite in a short period.

The price of a microimplant varies depending on the type of element and your diagnosis. The dentists at Gallant Dental Clinic perform a full dental diagnosis and select the best treatment option according to your desired outcome.

Indications for the installation of micro-implants

Micro-implants are installed in the following cases:

• To reinforce the corrective arch of a brace system.
• To correct the position of an individual tooth.
• In cases of alveolar ridge atrophy.
• When one or several teeth are missing.
• When it is necessary to fix a bridge prosthesis in case of increased mobility of the supporting units.
• To correct crowding of the dental arch.
• In the presence of bite abnormalities.
• This implantation method is also suitable if the upper incisors are positioned too high relative to the lower row.

Contraindications for the installation of mini-implants

It is not always possible to use mini-screws due to certain limitations. The main contraindications for their use are:

• oral infections;
• diabetes mellitus;
• gum diseases.

Before the procedure, the dentist always informs the patient about the harmful effects of smoking, as this habit significantly slows down the healing process of the mucous membrane and increases the likelihood of treatment failure.

Advantages of orthodontic microimplant placement

Microimplants in orthodontics, the price of which depends on various factors, have many advantages. The procedure for their placement is quick, minimally traumatic, and does not require a long recovery period. Among the main benefits of using such devices in modern dentistry are:

• significant reduction in treatment time;
• no need for tooth extraction;
• possibility to avoid installing traditional braces;
• reliable support of anchor teeth;
• precise control over the movement of corrected areas;
• possibility of immediate use of the device without a long waiting period.

Microimplants can be placed in any bone, including the palate. Due to their lightness and compactness, they cause minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues.

The process of placing microimplants, or how the installation is performed

Consultation and diagnosis

To establish an accurate diagnosis and prepare for treatment, the dentist must conduct a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth. In this process, working together with the prosthodontist and orthodontist, they:

• carry out a detailed examination of the oral cavity;
• order the necessary laboratory tests;
• coordinate with the prosthodontist the degree of tooth movement and its new position.

In complex cases, doctors consult with other specialists, and only after that do they develop a treatment plan, which the patient receives for approval.

Preparation for microimplant placement

At the preparation stage, the oral surgeon conducts important examinations:

• orders a computed tomography (CT) scan to ensure a painless and accurate procedure;
• examines the condition of the bone tissue at the proposed microimplant placement site;
• analyzes the location of the tooth roots to avoid complications;
• determines the optimal size and length of the microimplant that will bear the load (for example, rubber bands and springs);
• checks for the absence of inflammatory processes in the area of future placement.

Additionally, during preparation, the dentist coordinates with the orthodontist the angle at which the load will be applied.

The installation of microimplants is performed by an orthodontist or an oral surgeon

The process of directly installing a microimplant in orthodontics follows this sequence:

1. First, the doctor applies a cooling gel to the injection site, which helps reduce discomfort by 2–3 mm deep into the gum tissues.
2. Next, a local anesthetic is injected, providing complete numbness of the installation area.
3. At the site where the microimplant will be placed, the doctor carefully pierces the gum, avoiding scalpel incisions or flap detachment of the mucous membrane (this is a key difference from dental implant procedures).

The process of installing the mini-screw involves screwing it in manually or using a special device. This step takes about 5 minutes.

After installation, the microimplant is immediately connected to orthodontic elements (such as elastics, springs, or wires) to provide the necessary load.

What is the difference between a dental implant and an orthodontic implant?

The main difference between dental and orthodontic implants lies in their purpose and functionality. Orthodontic mini-implants are used as anchors to correct the position of individual teeth, similar to braces, rather than to replace the tooth root as regular dental implants do. Dental implants serve as a base for attaching a crown to restore chewing function.

Additionally, the design of mini-screws differs significantly from traditional implants: they have a smooth surface rather than a porous one. This allows them not to integrate into the bone but only provide temporary fixation. Thanks to this surface, mini-screws can be removed without much difficulty after treatment is completed.

It is also important to note that the usage period of mini-implants is much shorter. While a standard dental implant requires healing in the bone for 3–6 months and remains in the jaw for many years after crown placement, a mini-screw is usually installed only for up to 3 months.