Minimally invasive technique for anterior maxillary intrusion - A series of 7 cases with 1year follow-up

Abstract

Objective: The conventional treatment for Anterior Maxillary Vertical Excess (AMVE) is surgical reduction and rigid fixation which has low patient acceptance. However, intrusion of some selected AMVE cases can be achieved with minimal intervention using micro plate anchorage, thus expediting and simplifying their management. The present paper demonstrates the efficacy of microplate anchorage in the intrusion of anterior maxilla. Methods: A total of 7 patients (2 males and 5 females) in the age group of 13–43 years were treated for anterior maxillary vertical excess. Anterior maxillary intrusion was carried out using two hole microplates anchored bilaterally at the naso maxillary buttress and closed coil spring attached to the arch wire. The activation was carried out at monthly interval. Results: The mean duration of surgical procedure was 18.4 minutes and the mean duration for intrusion was 4.86 months (3–7 months). The patients compliance were overall good and the average amount of intrusion achieved was 4.14 mm. All the patients were satisfied with post treatment smile. Conclusion: The result of this study elucidates that intrusion using micro plates is an easy, efficient, safe and cost effective option in the management of AVME. It is less invasive with acceptable clinical and radiographic outcome. Careful case selection is needed for achieving satisfactory result and smile.