Success rate and pain perception in orthodontic patients receiving bone screws for anchorage: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

Anchorage enhancement through implants has received much consideration in the past decade. Recently small diameter orthodontic mini screws have been used to reinforce anchorage in orthodontic patients. Added discomfort may influence the patients decision to elect screws as alternatives to more conventional reinforcement systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate, and pain anticipation before screw placement, and actual perception after placement based on a ten point Visual Analog Scale. 1.4mm diameter Biotech self tapping mini screws were placed in 11 patients selected for implants. Questionnaires were filled by patients on the first post operative appointment. Results showed that the success rate of mini screws was 86.36%. There was no significant different between the level of pain anticipated and that actually perceived by patients. Conclusively, a large scale study may throw further light on the acceptability and success rate of Orthodontic Mini Screws