Three-Dimensional Study on Positional Changes of Surface-Treated Miniscrews: Acid-Etched Versus Sandblasted During Space Closure Mechanics

Objective: To evaluate the positional changes of miniscrews with acid-etched surface in comparison to those with sandblasted surface using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans.Materials and Methods:A total of 10 patients with significantly protruded upper anterior teeth underwent orthodontic treatment and were subsequently split into two equal groups: one group received miniscrews with acid-etched surfaces, while the other group was assigned sandblasted miniscrews. A force of 250 g per side was applied for the en-masse retraction of the upper anterior teeth. CBCT scans were taken at two intervals: before the application of force (CBCT 1) and six months afterward (CBCT 2). To evaluate the positional changes of the miniscrews, measurements were taken from the miniscrew head (HMS) and tail (TMS) to the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes at both CBCT measurement intervals.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in positional changes between the acid-etched and sandblasted groups in all three dimensions (coronal, sagittal, axial) when measured from the miniscrew head (HMS) and tail (TMS).Conclusions: Positional changes occurred in the movement of both the head and tail of the miniscrews.