Evaluation Of Mini İmplants Surfaces In Terms Of Hydoxyapetite Apposition

This clinical study investigates the effects of surface characteristics of orthodontic mini implants which are used to construct maximum anchorage in terms of surface hydroxyapetite apposition after force application.

Method:

In order to construct maximum anchorage for maxillary en masse retraction, 20 surface etched and air abraided Orlus^® mini implants and 20 machine surfaced polished NeoAnchor Plus^®mini implants were placed buccally between the second premolar and first molar randomly in 20 patients. Required force applied directly on mini implants’ necks. After the retraction was completed the mini implants were removed and prepared for surface analysing using SEM. EDS analysis was also performed to assess the properties of the elements that were detected on the removed implant surfaces.

Result:

Hard tissue appositions were found on SEM imaging. Surface etched and air abraded Orlus® mini implants threrads showed more sequentional bone healing than machine surfaced polished NeoAnchor Plus® visually. The EDS analyses revealed that the hard tissue on Orlus® mini implants were more organized and calcium, oxygen and phosphate elements which are detected from healing sides of threads are closer to hydroxyapatite compared to Neoanchor Plus® mini implants.  Although sequentional bone healing was detected on etched and air abraded Orlus® mini implants, they were removed safely similar to NeoAnchor Plus® mini implants.

Conclusion:

Orthodontic mini implants having similar macro structure design with different micro structure design and surface properties showed similar clinical success rates. Surface treatments of orthodontic mini implants may reveal sequentional hard tissue healing which may be helpful if anchorage enhancement is needed for higher values of forces( eg. Orthopedic purposes).