Abstract
The use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in orthodontics has increased over recent years. One type of TAD, a modification of the titanium miniplate frequently used in orthognathic surgery for osteotomy or fracture fixation, has been used successfully as a skeletal anchorage device for various orthodontic applications. Most of these applications have focused on achieving dental movements, but recent case reports have demonstrated the use of TADs as an adjunct to orthopaedic treatment. Young patients with maxillary hypoplasia are usually treated with a facemask: heavy anterior traction is applied on the maxilla to stimulate its growth and to restrain or redirect mandibular growth. Titanium miniplates used for anchorage now offer the possibility to apply pure bone-borne orthopaedic forces between the maxilla and the mandible for 24 h per day, avoiding dentoalveolar compensation. As a result, they eliminate the need for a means of extraoral anchorage such as headgear, which has been considered an effective means of orthodontic anchorage but requires good patient cooperation to achieve results. The difficulty of using an extraoral appliance and the aesthetic concerns related to its unusual appearance make patient cooperation difficult to maintain throughout the treatment.
Published Version
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