Applications of orthodontic mini-implants

  • J. S. Lee,
  • K. K. Kim,
  • Y-C. Park &
  • R. L. Vanarsdall
UK: Quintessence price £89.00; pp 286 ISBN 032304574X | ISBN: 0-323-04574-X

High anchorage demanding cases involving distal movement of molars or extrusion and intrusion of teeth require careful planning and anchorage control. Traditionally both intra-oral and extra-oral methods are used in both non-extraction and extraction cases. Unfortunately often the orthodontist has to rely on patient compliance ie wear of headgear to ensure unwanted tooth movements and loss of space does not occur. Within the literature mini-implants have also been described as mini-screws, micro-implants, skeletal anchorage devices, temporary anchorage devices and orthodontic implants. Mini-implants have been recently introduced within orthodontics for skeletal based anchorage. Although the long-term research/data are still to be reported, they have the potential to provide the ultimate anchorage control, and allow forces to be applied to teeth in both vertical and A-P planes without any unwanted consequences.

This book is described as an introduction into the use of mini-implants. It is divided into 11 well written chapters which include a historical overview of mini-implants, surgical procedures for the placement of mini-implants and mechanics. A particularly useful chapter covers treatment planning. This excellent part of the textbook describes the risks and benefits of placing mini-implants in various intra-oral locations, precautions to take in the maxilla and mandible, a guide to selecting an appropriate insertion site and commonly encountered problems and their solutions. The text is supported with clearly drawn line diagrams/graphics and good quality clinical photographs. At the end of each chapter the references used within the text are listed. This includes both unpublished and published clinical data by the authors as well as refereed journals. The majority of the clinical cases described in this textbook are based on the authors' experience of particular mini-implant system (ORLUS system). Ideally a more comprehensive textbook may have described other systems, however, with the relative short history of mini-implants and the lack of long-term clinical trials this is only a small point which should not distract the reader from an otherwise very good textbook.

In summary this textbook is a very good introduction to an exciting and potentially beneficial treatment modality within orthodontics. The text in this book is uncomplicated and easy to understand. Further long-term studies and clinical trials will be published and this textbook will require future updating, however, in its current state it would be of benefit to both trainee orthodontists and experienced orthodontic practitioners as a quick and easy to use reference and clinical guide.