Orthodontic implants provide orthodontists with specialized tools for precise and efficient tooth movement. These small devices offer stable points of anchorage in orthodontic treatment. Their integration into treatment plans allows for improved control over tooth positioning and more predictable outcomes.
What Are Orthodontic Implants?
Orthodontic implants, also known as Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), are small, screw-like devices designed for temporary placement within the mouth. Made from biocompatible materials such as titanium or titanium alloy, they are inserted into the bone, often in the jawbone or palate, to provide a stationary point of support during orthodontic treatment.
TADs are temporary and intended for removal once their function in guiding tooth movement is complete. Their small size, ranging from 1.2 to 2.3 millimeters in diameter and 6 to 12 millimeters in length, allows for precise placement in various areas. This design facilitates their role as temporary anchors without causing long-term changes to the oral structure.
Orthodontic Implants Versus Dental Implants
Orthodontic implants and dental implants differ significantly in purpose and permanency. Dental implants are permanent solutions to replace missing teeth, functioning as artificial tooth roots to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. They are larger, with diameters ranging from 3.25mm to 5mm, and are surgically placed into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone through osseointegration.
Orthodontic implants, conversely, are temporary devices used to provide anchorage for orthodontic appliances. They are smaller, between 1.2 to 2.3 mm in diameter, and are not designed for long-term integration with the bone. Their placement is temporary, and they are removed once the desired tooth movement is achieved.
How Orthodontic Implants Enhance Treatment
Orthodontic implants enhance treatment by providing stable anchorage points. This stable foundation allows for precise forces to be applied to specific teeth, guiding them into desired positions without causing unintended movement in other teeth. Without a fixed point, applying force to move one tooth might inadvertently shift other teeth, complicating the treatment process.
These implants are useful in complex orthodontic situations. They can facilitate space closure, correct severe overbites or underbites, and move teeth challenging to shift with traditional braces alone. For instance, they aid in uprighting molars or intruding teeth, which involves pushing them back into the jawbone. The use of TADs can also reduce or eliminate the need for external appliances, such as headgear, making the treatment experience more comfortable and improving patient cooperation.
The Process and Aftercare
The placement of an orthodontic implant is a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthetic. An orthodontist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue and inserts the screw-like device into the bone, usually about 2 mm from the tooth root. This outpatient procedure involves minimal discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
After placement, mild tenderness, swelling, or bruising may occur, which subsides within a few days. Patients are advised to avoid disturbing the surgical site, refrain from strenuous physical activity for a few days, and avoid smoking for at least five to ten days. Proper oral hygiene around the implant site is important to prevent infection; gentle brushing and rinsing with a warm saltwater solution or a prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse are recommended after the first 24 hours. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, the implant is easily removed, often without anesthesia, as it is not fused to the bone.