Orthodontic Anchorage System Using a Locking Plate and Self-Drilling Screws

Abstract

Plates and screws have been proven to be effective techniques for the anchoring of orthodontic devices. 1 Favero L. Brollo P. Bressan E. Orthodontic anchorage with specific fixtures Related study analysis. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2002; 122: 84 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (103) Google Scholar Screws are typically used in the alveolus and the palate, where the bone is adequate in both quality and quantity to support a screw. The screw should not only avoid underlying teeth roots but is also more favorably placed in the attached mucosa to minimize the induction of inflammation caused by mechanical irritation. These requirements restrict the location, inclination, and depth of screw anchorages. In contrast, plating involves a more complicated procedure and higher cost, but is associated with fewer restrictions in location. 2 Umemori M. Sugawara J. Mitani H. et al. Skeletal anchorage system for open-bite correction. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1999; 115: 166 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (387) Google Scholar , 3 Sugawara J. Daimaruya T. Umemori M. et al. Distal movement of mandibular molars in adult patients with the skeletal anchorage system. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2004; 125: 130 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (172) Google Scholar In the posterior maxilla, where only thin bony walls are available, the skeletal anchorage plates modified with conventional osteosynthetic systems may become unstable over time, 4 Cheng S.J. Tseng I.Y. Lee J.J. et al. A prospective study of the risk factors associated with failure of mini-implants used for orthodontic anchorage. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2002; 19: 100 Google Scholar whereas osteosynthetic systems with a locking mechanism between the plate and screw provide predictable stability. 5 Gutwald R. Biomechanical stability of an internal mini-fixation system in maxillofacial osteosynthesis. J Med Biol Eng Comp. 1999; 37: S280 Google Scholar The purpose of this article is to describe an effective way for using a locking plate and screw system for skeletal anchorage in the posterior maxilla.