Miniscrew implants have an 87.7% success rate when used for anchorage reinforcement compared with conventional orthodontic means, according to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Dental Research (May 18, 2011).
Researchers from the School of Dentistry at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece conducted literature searches with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 3,183 original papers, eight met the inclusion criteria.
They found that when miniscrew implants and conventional anchorage groups were compared, the miniscrew implants significantly decreased or even negated loss of anchorage, with a mean difference of 2.4 mm (p = 0).
They also observed that anchorage loss occurred less frequently in the following cases:
- When the miniscrew implants were placed in between the second premolar and the first molar
- When the patient had two miniscrew implants inserted in his or her jaw
- When they were connected directly
- When the treatment extended beyond 12 months
The researchers cautioned, however, that their findings should be interpreted with some caution because of the number, quality, and heterogeneity of the included studies.
