Skeletal anchorage systems in orthodontics: absolute anchorage. A dream or reality?

Abstract

This article examines the concept of orthodontic anchorage and focuses on ways skeletally derived anchorage is gained. A brief history of the different skeletal anchorage systems to date is given. The article gives an emphasis on the use of one particular skeletal anchorage technique—the micro-implant—to assist with orthodontic anchorage and active tooth movement. Advantages and disadvantages of this new technique are discussed. An illustration of the use of micro-implants is given with reference to a case where they have been used in a novel manner to provide distal movement of maxillary molars.

Keywords:

• Orthodontics
• skeletal anchorage
• micro-implant
• mini-implant
• distal movement

Acknowledgments

With thanks to Professor Kyung, Kyungpook National University, South Korea for Figure 3, and for allowing pictorial modifications from this.