Insertion torque, pull-out strength and cortical bone thickness in contact with orthodontic mini-implants at different insertion angles

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate biomechanical behaviour of inclined orthodontic mini-implants by analyzing its insertion torque (IT), axial pull-out strength (APS), and cortical bone thickness in contact with mini-implant (CBTC). A total of 102 mini-implants were inserted at 90 degree, 60 degree, and 45 degree to the surface of synthetic bone. Peak IT was measured, and the mini-implants were aligned with the mechanical testing machine to record the APS. The cortical bone thickness in contact with each mini-implant was measured after the pull-out test and the data were subjected to statistical analyses. The 45 degree group had a significantly higher IT compared with the 90 degree group (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the average of cortical bone thickness in CBTC across the three groups (P < 0.05). A negative correlation between the angulation and the CBTC (r = -0.95, P < 0.05) and a positive correlation between the APS and the CBTC were observed (r = 0.34, P < 0.05). Mini-implants that are inserted more inclined to the surface of the bone provide greater IT and an increased contact with the cortical bone. The greater the CBTC, the greater is the APS.