Dental Education Lecture: What is Mini-implant?

Microimplants or mini-implants are tinny-tiny screws that are inserted in the maxilla or mandible and they serve as support to the movement of the teeth that should be corrected during the orthodontic treatment.  

For an effective dental movement, it is necessary to have a point of support.  It happens frequently that the rest of the teeth do not offer sufficient resistance to the movement.

Microimplants are made of biocompatible material, such as titanium, which is used for dental prosthesis or in other medical sciences such as traumatology.

The procedure of insertion is very fast and painless, even though it is carried out with local anesthesia, but in most cases, it can be done without anesthesia.

Patients who are smokers or mouth breathers are more prone to infection or inflammation.  It is very important to maintain good hygiene of the zone and also to use mouthwash with antiseptics after eating.

If the visible part of microimplant provokes discomfort in the lips, cheeks or tongue, it can be covered with wax or dental silicon.

If you see the inflammation around microimplant or its mobility, please contact your dentist. 

Please read and sign consent for microimplant before placement.

Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 04/11/2010, last revision 09/28/2012