The optimal position for insertion of orthodontic miniscrews

Authors

  • Luiza Paiva Bittencourt
  • Melissa Vasconcellos Raymundo Staff at RORRJ - Radiology Dental Clinic
  • José Nelson Mucha UFF

Keywords:

Tomography, miniscrews

Abstract

Purpose: Miniscrews feature several advantages over other devices used to achieve anchorage; however, using computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the appropriate areas to place these devices for all patients can be expensive. This study aimed to determine the optimal interradicular spaces for miniscrew placement in the mandible and maxilla. Methods: Using CT images from 12 adult patients, mean interradicular distance and standard deviation values were obtained at heights of 2, 5, 8 and 11 mm from the alveolar bone crest. The means were compared with mean data from the literature. Results: Considering a height of 3 mm, the most favorable mandibular interradicular distances were found between the first and second molars, first and second premolars, and finally between the canines and first premolars. The most favorable maxillary interradicular spaces were found between the canines and first premolars, between premolars, and between the second premolar and first molar. Conclusion: The safest interradicular site for miniscrew insertion in the mandible was found to be between the first and second molars, whereas in the maxilla, this site was between the canines and first premolars.

Author Biographies

Luiza Paiva Bittencourt

Specialist and resident in Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Fluminense Federal University, UFF, Niterói, RJ. Private practice, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Melissa Vasconcellos Raymundo, Staff at RORRJ - Radiology Dental Clinic

Oral Radiology Specialist – School of Dentistry, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, RJ, Brazil. Staff at RORRJ - Radiology Dental Clinic.

José Nelson Mucha, UFF

Professor and Chairman, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Fluminense Federal University, UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.

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Published

2011-02-22

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Section

Original Article