Effect of Orthodontic Mini Implants on Accelerated Canine Retraction with MOP Technique

Objective: This research aimed at the efficacy of orthodontic mini-implants supplemented with micro-osteoperforation (MOP) in the acceleration of canine retraction in a fixed orthodontic treatment. The objective was to determine whether this combination will allow shortening the treatment time without compromising anchorage control, root integrity, periodontal health, and patient comfort. Trial Design: An RMB study of 30 patients needing bilateral extraction of first premolars in the maxilla was carried out. The participants were separated into experimental and control groups. The control group was provided with mini-implant anchorage only where as the experimental group was introduced with mini-implant anchorage combined with the adjunctive MOP. Methods: Digital dental casts were used to determine the canine movement in weekly intervals of three months. The control group had mini-implants, and their experimental group combined mini-implants with MOP. Other parameters were measured such as anchorage stability, root resorption, periodontal health and pain by the patient as rated in the Visual Analogue Scale. Results: A canine retraction rate was 1.4-1.6 times higher (p<0.05) in the experimental group as opposed to controls. The mini-implants did not move and maintain their anchorage with slight anchorage loss. The evidence of root resorption and loss of attachment were not significant found. Post- MOP pain was nontrivial, brief, and dissipated quickly, representing safety and tolerability of the procedure. Conclusion: Orthodontic mini-implants and MOP used together in canine retraction appears to be effective, safe, and minimally invasive. The technique allows the shortening of the treatment times, ensures anchorage stability and periodontal health as well as patient comfort, which indicate it as a compelling clinical measure to address the use of extraction-based orthodontics.