• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.44 no.5
• /
• pp.246-253
• /
• 2014

Objective: To evaluate the bioactivity, and the biomechanical and bone-regenerative properties of Ti6Al4V miniscrews subjected to anodization, cyclic precalcification, and heat treatment (APH treatment) and their potential clinical use. Methods: The surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloys were modified by APH treatment. Bioactivity was assessed after immersion in simulated body fluid for 3 days. The hydrophilicity and the roughness of APH-treated surfaces were compared with those of untreated (UT) and anodized and heat-treated (AH) samples. For in vivo tests, 32 miniscrews (16 UT and 16 APH) were inserted into 16 Wistar rats, one UT and one APH-treated miniscrew in either tibia. The miniscrews were extracted after 3 and 6 weeks and their osseointegration (n = 8 for each time point and group) was investigated by surface and histological analyses and removal torque measurements. Results: APH treatment formed a dense surface array of nanotubular TiO2 layer covered with a compact apatite-like film. APH-treated samples showed better bioactivity and biocompatibility compared with UT and AH samples. In vivo, APH-treated miniscrews showed higher removal torque and bone-to-implant contact than did UT miniscrews, after both 3 and 6 weeks (p < 0.05). Also, early deposition of densely mineralized bone around APH-treated miniscrews was observed, implying good bonding to the treated surface. Conclusions: APH treatment enhanced the bioactivity, and the biomechanical and bone regenerative properties of the Ti6Al4V alloy miniscrews. The enhanced initial stability afforded should be valuable in orthodontic applications.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.48 no.5
• /
• pp.283-291
• /
• 2018

Objective: This study was conducted to perform histomorphometric evaluations of the bone surrounding orthodontic miniscrews according to their proximity to the adjacent tooth roots in the posterior mandible of beagle dogs. Methods: Four male beagle dogs were used for this study. Six orthodontic miniscrews were placed in the interradicular spaces in the posterior mandible of each dog (n = 24). The implanted miniscrews were classified into no loading, immediate loading, and delayed loading groups according to the loading time. At 6 weeks after screw placement, the animals were sacrificed, and tissue blocks including the miniscrews were harvested for histological examinations. After analysis of the histological sections, the miniscrews were categorized into three additional groups according to the root proximity: high root proximity, low root proximity, and safe distance groups. Differences in the bone-implant contact (BIC, %) among the root proximity groups and loading time groups were determined using statistical analyses. Results: No BIC was observed within the bundle bone invaded by the miniscrew threads. Narrowing of the periodontal ligament space was observed in cases where the miniscrew threads touched the bundle bone. BIC (%) was significantly lower in the high root proximity group than in the low root proximity and safe distance groups. However, BIC (%) showed no significant differences among the loading time groups. Conclusions: Regardless of the loading time, the stability of an orthodontic miniscrew is decreased if it is in contact with the bundle bone as well as the adjacent tooth root.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.400-406
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of immediate orthodontic loading on the stability at the bone-implant interface of titanium miniscrews in a rabbit model. Methods: Forty titanium miniscrews (1.6 mm diameter, 8 mm length) were inserted in the tibiae of 10 rabbits. Twenty test group miniscrews were subjected to continuous orthodontic forces of 200g immediately after implantation for a period of 6 weeks. The remaining 20 control group miniscrews were left unloaded for the same follow-up interval. Removal torque values were recorded using a digital torque gauge. An independent t-test was performed. Results: All the miniscrews were stable, and exhibited no mobility or displacement throughout the experimental period. Histologically, miniscrews were well-integrated into bone. No statistically significant differences in removal torque data were found between the loaded test and the unloaded control groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that titanium miniscrews can be used as anchoring units for orthodontic tooth movement immediately after insertion.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.238-247
• /
• 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare recycled and unused orthodontic miniscrews to determine the feasibility of reuse. The comparisons included both miniscrews with machined surfaces (MS), and those with etched surfaces (ES). Methods: Retrieved MS and ES were further divided into three subgroups according to the assigned recycling procedure: group A, air-water spray; group B, mechanical cleaning; and group C, mechanical and chemical cleaning. Unused screws were used as controls. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, insertion time and maximum insertion torque measurements in artificial bone, and biological responses in the form of periotest values (PTV), bone-implant contact ratio (BIC), and bone volume ratio (BV) were assessed. Results: Morphological changes after recycling mainly occurred at the screw tip, and the cortical bone penetration success rate of recycled screws was lower than that of unused screws. Retrieved ES needed more thorough cleaning than retrieved MS to produce a surface composition similar to that of unused screws. There were no significant differences in PTV or BIC between recycled and unused screws, while the BV of the former was significantly lower than that of the latter (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that reuse of recycled orthodontic miniscrews may not be feasible from the biomechanical aspect.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.189-198
• /
• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze stress distributions in the roots, periodontal ligaments (PDLs), and bones around cylindrical and tapered miniscrews inserted at different angles using a finite element analysis. Methods: We created a three-dimensional (3D) maxilla model of a dentition with extracted first premolars and used 2 types of miniscrews (tapered and cylindrical) with 1.45-mm diameters and 8-mm lengths. The miniscrews were inserted at $30^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, and $90^{\circ}$ angles with respect to the bone surface. A simulated horizontal orthodontic force of 2 N was applied to the miniscrew heads. Then, the stress distributions, magnitudes during miniscrew placement, and force applications were analyzed with a 3D finite element analysis. Results: Stresses were primarily absorbed by cortical bone. Moreover, very little stress was transmitted to the roots, PDLs, and cancellous bone. During cylindrical miniscrew insertion, the maximum von Mises stress increased as insertion angle decreased. Tapered miniscrews exhibited greater maximum von Mises stress than cylindrical miniscrews. During force application, maximum von Mises stresses increased in both groups as insertion angles decreased. Conclusions: For both cylindrical and tapered miniscrew designs, placement as perpendicular to the bone surface as possible is recommended to reduce stress in the surrounding bone.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.36-41
• /
• 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) levels around miniscrews used for anchorage during a 3-month period of canine distalization. Methods: Sixteen patients (8 boys, 8 girls; mean age, $16.6{\pm}2.4$ years) whose upper first premolars were extracted for orthodontic treatment were included in this study. Miniscrews were used as an anchorage unit in canine distalization. Thirty-two (32) miniscrew implants were placed bilaterally in the alveolar bone between the maxillary second premolars and first molars. The treatment, miniscrew, and control groups comprised upper canines, miniscrew implants, and upper first premolars, respectively. Peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid were obtained before applying force and at 1, 24, and 48 hours, and at 7 and 21 days, and 3 months after applying force. Results: During the 3-month period, the (TNF-${\alpha}$) levels increased significantly at 24 hours only in the treatment group (p < 0.01). In the miniscrew and control groups, there were no statistically Significant changes. No significant differences were observed between groups. Conclusions: Miniscrews can be conveniently used for anchorage in orthodontics.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.120-126
• /
• 2013

Objective: To gain basic information regarding the biologic stability of plasma ion-implanted miniscrews and their potential clinical applications. Methods: Sixteen plasma ion-implanted and 16 sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) miniscrews were bilaterally inserted in the mandibles of 4 beagles (2 miniscrews of each type per quadrant). Then, 250 - 300 gm of force from Ni-Ti coil springs was applied for 2 different periods: 12 weeks on one side and 3 weeks contralaterally. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and mandibular specimens including the miniscrews were collected. The insertion torque and mobility were compared between the groups. The bone-implant contact and bone volume ratio were calculated within 800 mm of the miniscrews and compared between the loading periods. The number of osteoblasts was also quantified. The measurements were expressed as percentages and analyzed by independent t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: No significant differences in any of the analyzed parameters were noted between the groups. Conclusions: The preliminary findings indicate that plasma ion-implanted miniscrews have similar biologic characteristics to SLA miniscrews in terms of insertion torque, mobility, bone-implant contact rate, and bone volume rate.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.144-154
• /
• 2012

This article reports the orthodontic treatment of a patient with skeletal mandibular retrusion and an anterior open bite due to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) using miniscrew anchorage. A 46-year-old woman had a Class II malocclusion with a retropositioned mandible. Her overjet and overbite were 7.0 mm and -1.6 mm, respectively. She had limited mouth opening, TMJ sounds, and pain. Condylar resorption was observed in both TMJs. Her TMJ pain was reduced by splint therapy, and then orthodontic treatment was initiated. Titanium miniscrews were placed at the posterior maxilla to intrude the molars. After 2 years and 7 months of orthodontic treatment, an acceptable occlusion was achieved without any recurrence of TMJ symptoms. The retropositioned mandible was considerably improved, and the lips showed less tension upon lip closure. The maxillary molars were intruded by 1.5 mm, and the mandible was subsequently rotated counterclockwise. Magnetic resonance imaging of both condyles after treatment showed avascular necrosis-like structures. During a 2-year retention period, an acceptable occlusion was maintained without recurrence of the open bite. In conclusion, correction of open bite and clockwise-rotated mandible through molar intrusion using titanium miniscrews is effective for the management of TMJ-OA with jaw deformity.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.88-95
• /
• 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment duration and dentoskeletal changes between two different anchorage systems used to treat maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and to examine the effectiveness of en-masse retraction using two miniscrews placed in the midpalatal suture. Methods: Fifty-seven patients (9 men, 48 women), who had undergone level anchorage system treatment at Aichi-Gakuin University Dental Hospital (Nagoya, Japan) were divided into two groups according to the method of maxillary posterior anchorage reinforcement: midpalatal miniscrews (25 patients, mean age 22 years) and conventional anchorage (32 patients, mean age 19 years). The en-masse retraction period, overall treatment duration, pre-treatment effective ANB angle, and change in the effective ANB angle were compared with an independent-samples t -test. Results: Compared to the headgear group, the duration of en-masse retraction was longer by approximately 4 months in the miniscrew group (p < 0.001). However, we found no significant difference in the total treatment duration between the groups. Moreover, a greater change in the effective ANB angle was observed in patients treated with miniscrews than in those treated with the conventional method (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The level anchorage system treatment using miniscrews placed in the midpalatal area will allow orthodontists more time to control the anterior teeth during en-masse retraction, without increasing the total treatment duration. Furthermore, it achieves better dentoskeletal control than does the conventional anchorage method, thereby improving the quality of the treatment results.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.393-403
• /
• 2019

Objective: Sliding mechanics using orthodontic miniscrews is widely used to stabilize the anchorage during extraction space closure. However, previous studies have reported that both posterior segment displacement and anterior segment displacement are possible, depending on the mechanical properties of the archwire. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of archwire stiffness and friction change on the displacement pattern of the maxillary posterior segment during anterior segment retraction with orthodontic miniscrews in sliding mechanics. Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model was constructed. The retraction point was set at the archwire level between the lateral incisor and canine, and the orthodontic miniscrew was located at a height of 8 mm from the archwire between the second premolar and first molar. Archwire stiffness was simulated with rectangular stainless steel wires and a rigid body was used as a control. Various friction levels were set for the surface contact model. Displacement patterns for the posterior and anterior segments were compared between the conditions. Results: Both the anterior and posterior segments exhibited backward rotation, regardless of archwire stiffness or friction. Among the conditions tested in this study, the least undesirable rotation was found with low archwire stiffness and low friction. Conclusions: Posterior segment displacement may be unavoidable but reducing the stiffness and friction of the main archwire may minimize unwanted rotations during extraction space closure.