Dentist's Explanation] What is an anchor screw? Why are they used in orthodontics?

Last updated November 4, 2022

What is an Anchor Screw?

To provide a fixed source of force to move teeth in orthodontic treatment,

An implant that is placed in the gum (jawbone).

The implants used for anchor screws are,

They are made of the same titanium alloy as regular dental implants, but are smaller in size.

While normal implants are at least 3mm in diameter,

Implant anchors are less than 2 mm.

The length is also at least 8 mm for regular implants, but some implant anchors are as long as 5 mm.

By placing implant anchors and using them as a fixed source of anchorage, a greater force can be applied to the teeth, allowing them to move more quickly and reliably.

Why use anchor screws in orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment is the process of moving teeth to achieve an ideal dental alignment.

Especially for large tooth movement, a reasonable fixation source is required.

If the fixation source is not secure, even teeth that are not intended to be moved may move.

A major source of fixation in conventional orthodontic treatment is,

There was often a reliance on extramaxillary fixation, in which a device is worn outside the mouth as a fixation source,

Thanks to implant anchors, you get a strong fixation source in the oral cavityThe company was

Advantages and disadvantages of using anchor screws

Advantages of using anchor screws

Prevents back teeth from moving forward.

When the front teeth are lowered with the back teeth as support, the back teeth inevitably move slightly forward in reaction.

If you want to lower the front teeth significantly, anchor screws can be used to lower the front teeth while maintaining the position of the back teeth without placing a burden on the back teeth.

Posterior movement of molars is possible.

In conventional orthodontic treatment, moving molars backward was considered very difficult.

However, by using anchor screws as a fixation source, a strong backward force can be applied to the molars, facilitating posterior movement of the molars.

The ability to move molars posteriorly may avoid convenience extractions to create the space needed to move the teeth and disking, which involves shaving a little off the ends of the teeth.

Possible to shorten the orthodontic period

A strong fixation source can be obtained to move the teeth significantly.

In addition, multiple teeth can be moved simultaneously, resulting in shorter orthodontic treatment times.

Possibility of avoiding surgical orthodontic treatment

When malocclusion is deemed untreatable by regular orthodontic treatment, surgical correction (surgery) is performed to treat malocclusion skeletally by amputating the jawbone.

The use of anchor screws allows for greater tooth movement, which may allow for avoidance of surgical correction in cases where surgical correction would have been indicated in the past.

Disadvantages of using anchor screws

Anchor screw could drop out.

Anchor screws may drop out during orthodontic treatment if bone density is small or if the implant and bone do not join well.

In such cases, it is possible to place the anchor screw again, but there is a possibility that it will fall out again. It is also important to carefully clean the area around the anchor screw every day to maintain hygiene.

Roots of teeth to be moved may be absorbed

Moving teeth with too much force can cause tooth root resorption.

Teeth move through repeated destruction and regeneration of the periodontal ligament, a membrane that intervenes between the tooth and bone.

Strong forces can interfere with the ability of the periodontal ligament to regenerate, and the cost of this can be root resorption. Once a tooth root is resorbed, it will not return to its original state.

If the roots become shortened or weakened, the tooth may become wobbly, and in the worst case, the tooth may fall out.

Anchor screw procedure flow

anesthesia

Anesthesia is administered at the site of anchor screw placement. If necessary, a surface anesthetic will be applied to minimize pain as much as possible.

Since no teeth are extracted or anchor screws are implanted deep into the bone, the amount of anesthesia is small.

implantation

An anchor screw is placed. There is no scalpel incision through the gum to expose the bone inside, as is usually the case with dental implants.

The implant is placed directly over the gums. Because of the hemostatic effect of anesthesia, the amount of bleeding at the time of placement is minimized. Naturally, the location of nerves and blood vessels is avoided.

hemostatic disinfection

Once placement is completed, the implantation site is stopped bleeding and disinfected. Since the gingiva is not incised, sutures are not necessary. If necessary, a laser or other means will be used to stop the bleeding.

Prescription of painkillers and antibiotics

It is not so much that it causes pain, though,

Painkillers may be prescribed as a precaution and antibiotics to prevent infection.

How long will anchor screw pain last?

Pain after anchor screw placement depends on the person, but often there is little to no pain. Even if pain does occur,It will take a week or so to pull off.Some people experience discomfort as well as pain.

Anchor screw cost

The cost of anchor screws is free and varies from dentist to dentist.

As for the market price10,000 to 50,000 yen or lessMost of the clinics in the

It could be included in the cost of orthodontic treatment,

If you are offered orthodontic treatment using anchor screws, be sure to ask in advance.

Anchor Screws and Stomatitis

Anchor screws are shaped like a screw with a tip to hook rubber or wire.

If it rubs against the mucous membrane of the cheek, it can cause mouth ulcers.

The probability of stomatitis is particularly high immediately after anchor screw placement, as the mucosa is accustomed to it.

If a mouth sore develops, apply an ointment to the mouth sore or cover the screw-like part of the anchor screw with wax to prevent it from rubbing against the mucosa.

Anchor screws after completion of orthodontic treatment

After orthodontic treatment is completed, the anchor screws are removed.

After removal, the wound will remain for about a week, but after about a month, the wound will be almost completely gone and no scar will remain.

Summary of Anchor Screws

Anchor screws provide the strong anchorage source needed to move the teeth.

This further expands the scope of orthodontic treatment.

Unlike conventional dental implants, anchor screws have relatively few problems caused by the procedure. If you are offered a treatment plan that involves the placement of anchor screws, be sure to fully understand their characteristics before undergoing treatment.

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