DO THE UNTREATED SURFACES OF ORTHODONTIC MINI-IMPLANTS HAVE OSSEOINTEGRATION

Abstract

Aim of study: This study aimed to use EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry) in order to quantitatively and qualitatively assess secondary retention (osseointegration) by evaluating the elemental composition of the mini-implants (MIs) surface after their use as anchorage in orthodontic treatment, which could highlight possible osseointegration. Materials and methods: A total of 30 Infinitas™ mini-implants obtained from patients with an average age of 21.93 years, were analyzed using EDS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed to asses the mini-implants. Results: In all groups, new bone formation occurred between the threads of the MIs and the bone surface, partially extending along the thread. Fibroblast-like structures were observed using SEM. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicates that there is no significant correlation between %Ca and duration (coefficient = -0.085; p-value = 0.655). The atomic percentages of the elements on the MI surface, revealed from EDS analysis and also present in bone composition, are comparable to the percentages of elements in the alveolar bone from the study, according to Dunn’s Multiple Comparison test. Conclusions: The results suggest the presence of newly formed bone on the MIs surface

Keywords

• mini-implants
• eds
• anchorage
• mini-implant osseointegration
• orthodontic treatment