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Garfinkle J S, Cunningham L L et al. Amer J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2008; 133: 642–653

There are few controlled studies setting out the boundaries for the use of orthodontic mini-implants (OMI) for anchorage. This study examined whether or not OMI could provide anchorage for space closure following the extraction of either first or second premolar teeth, and the effect of immediate or delayed loading. Eighty-two OMI, each measuring 1.6 mm in diameter and 6 mm in length, were placed using a surgical 'notching procedure' in either the maxillary or mandibular buccal sulci in 13 adolescents. One side was immediately loaded with 250 g and the contra-lateral side loaded after 3-5 weeks. There was no significant difference in space closure between those OMI that were immediately loaded and those where loading was delayed. Their combined success was significantly higher compared with control, unloaded OMI. Placement and tolerance of OMI were well received.