Failures Encountered during Orthodontic Mini-Implant Treatment

Paradigms have started to shift in the orthodontic world since the introduction of mini- implants in the anchorage armamentarium. Various forms of skeletal anchorage, including miniscrews and miniplates, have been reported in literature. Recently, great emphasis has been placed on the miniscrew type of temporary anchorage device (TAD). These devices though small, can be implanted with a relatively simple surgical procedure, but they increase the potential for better orthodontic results. Therefore, miniscrews not only free orthodontists from anchorage-demanding cases, but they also enable clinicians to have good control over tooth movement in 3 dimensions. It is also important to know that there are two sides to the same coin. As there are advantages in the use of micro implants, several complications during the use of miniscrew implants have also been reported. Failure of miniscrew implants results in inability to act as stationary anchors that negate reaction forces and necessitates their removal or replacement.