Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years: thanks to new developments in dental technology, patients can achieve a more beautiful, healthier smile in less time and with greater comfort. One of the most exciting advances in orthodontics is the use of orthodontic micro-implants, also known as mini-screws (TADs). In this blog post, we take a closer look at why orthodontic micro-implants are such a great thing for patients.
Orthodontic mini-implants are tiny, screw-like devices that are placed into the jawbone to provide temporary anchorage for orthodontic treatment. They are usually made of titanium, a biocompatible material that the body tolerates well.
The implants are generally positioned in the front part of the jaw and provide a stable point against which the orthodontic appliance can apply force, allowing for more precise tooth movement.
Orthodontic micro-implants can significantly reduce treatment time compared with traditional orthodontic techniques. The reason is that they provide a stable point to work against, so we are no longer limited to moving the teeth relative to one another. This makes entirely new directions of movement possible, and their use also results in faster tooth movement and a shorter overall treatment time.
Using mini-screws in dentistry significantly reduces the discomfort and pain experienced during treatment. The implants not only provide stable anchorage for the orthodontic appliance, but also replace several large, uncomfortable accessory components that were previously required. Examples include transpalatal arches — the braces connecting the back teeth of the upper arch. These used to be an integral part of fixed orthodontic treatment, but today they can be replaced with one or two tiny screws. This means we can achieve the perfect smile in a more aesthetic, more comfortable and less painful way!
A short video showing how it works:
Not only can we say goodbye to the bulky, often guardrail-like accessories, but it also becomes possible, for example, to correct a tilted dental arch or to address a gummy smile. In a significant proportion of cases, these could previously only be corrected with surgery!
The orthodontic micro-implant is a minimally invasive treatment option. Placing them takes no longer than 1–2 minutes, removing them is just as simple, and with proper oral hygiene they only need to be replaced occasionally.
In summary, mini-screws have brought the greatest leap forward in orthodontics in recent decades, and have by now become an indispensable part of it. Of course, at Foxxi we assess for every patient whether they are needed, and we recommend their use when they are!
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