Frequency and Pattern of Skeletal Anchorage Usage by Iranian Orthodontists: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Aim: Considering the importance of skeletal anchorage in orthodontic treatment, this study aimed to assess the frequency and pattern of skeletal anchorage usage by Iranian orthodontists. Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 301 Iranian orthodontists filled out a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions, 5 about miniscrews and 5 about miniplate usage.It also asked for the demographic information of the participants.The relationship between the participants' demographic information and their responses to the questions was also analyzed.Statistical analysis was conducted by the Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, t-test, and Mann-Whitney test (alpha=0.05).Results: There were 46.7% males and 53.3% females with a mean age of 38.9 years and a mean work experience of 8.95 years.Of all, 89.7% of the participants used miniscrews and 16.3% of them used miniscrews and miniplates.Generally, participants not using skeletal anchorage were significantly older (P=0.002) and had a significantly longer work experience (P=0.000).Also, there was no significant association between gender and skeletal anchorage usage (P=0.204).From the perspective of the orthodontists, the main indication of anchorage devices was to provide optimal anchorage. Conclusion:The results showed that a high percentage of Iranian orthodontists used different types of skeletal anchorage devices.They preferred to use miniscrews more frequently than miniplates, mostly due to difficulties associated with their surgical insertion.Also, it was observed that older orthodontists used skeletal anchorage less frequently than younger orthodontists.