Indirect miniscrew anchorage for adjunctive orthodontic treatment: Clinical applications and stability

Orthodontic miniscrews have expanded the scope of orthodontic tooth movement. By providing absolute anchorage for tooth movement, they can minimize the side effects which are commonly observed in cases where conventional teeth anchors are used. This chapter presents two adjunctive orthodontic cases that were treated using an indirect anchorage system with miniscrews, and focuses on its stability. The stability of the indirect anchor teeth during orthodontic treatment was reviewed in terms of strain and movement. The indirect anchorage system is effective in adjunctive orthodontic treatment when direct anchorage from a miniscrew is not available. The indirect anchor tooth moved in the transverse, vertical, and sagittal direction with a tendency to move in the opposite direction to the orthodontic force applied on the treated tooth. Therefore, clinicians should carefully monitor the movement of the indirect anchor tooth and any subsequent changes in occlusion.