RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic mini-implants are frequently used to provide additional anchorage for orthodontic appliances. The anterior palate is frequently used owing to sufficient bone quality and low risk of iatrogenic trauma to adjacent anatomical structures. Even though the success rates in this site are high, failure of an implant will result in anchorage loss. Therefore, implants should be placed in areas with sufficient bone quality. The aim of the present study was to identify an optimal insertion angle and position for orthodontic mini-implants in the anterior palate. METHODS: Maxillary cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans from 30 patients (8 male, 22 female, age 18.6 ± 12.0 years) were analyzed. To assess the maximum possible length of an implant, a 25-reference-point grid was defined: 5 sagittal slices were extracted along the median plane and bilaterally at 3 mm and 6 mm distances, respectively. Within each slice, 5 dental reference points were projected to the palatal curvature at the contact point between the cuspid (C) and first bicuspid (PM1), midpoint of PM1, between PM1 and PM2, midpoint of PM2, and between PM2 and the first molar (M1). Measurements were conducted at -30°, -20°, -10°, 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° to a vector placed perpendicular to the local palatal curvature. Statistical analysis was conducted with the use of R using a random-effects mixed linear model and a Tukey post hoc test with Holm correction. RESULTS: High interindividual variability was detected. Maximum effective bone heights were detected within a T-shaped area at the midpoint of PM1 and contact point PM1-PM2 (P < 0.01). Within the anterior region a posterior tipping was advantageous, whereas in the posterior regions an anterior tipping was beneficial (P < 0.01). In the middle of the median plane, tipping did not reveal a significant influence. No gender- or age-related differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, optimal insertion positions were found within a T-shaped area at the height of PM1-PM2 in the anterior palate. In general, a posterior tipping was beneficial at anterior positions, and an anterior tipping appeared beneficial at posterior positions. High interindividual variation was found and should be carefully considered by the clinician.