Implantable Devices: A Review of Current Treatment Modalities

Abstract

The use of implantable devices as direct adjuncts to orthodontic treatment as compared to the use of conventional dental implants is relatively less in number. Currently, a limited number of such devices are used to aid in orthodontic treatment. The options include conventional titanium endosseous dental implants, palatal implants, titanium miniscrews (also known as micro- or mini-implants), and mini-bone plates. Integration of dental implants or implantable devices into contemporary orthodontic practice has the following possible advantages: Serving as a means of increasing orthodontic anchorage, virtually eliminating patient compliance issues with regard to wearing of appliances, decreasing overall treatment time, and occasionally permitting orthodontic treatments previously thought to be impossible without surgery. This article is a review of the currently available options for use of implantable devices as sources of temporary skeletal anchorage in orthodontics.