Periodontal Effects of Orthodontic Mini-Screws

Plain-language summary

Orthodontic mini-screws (TADs) are commonly used to provide temporary anchorage and prevent unwanted tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. Their clinical success largely depends on their ability to remain stable under functional orthodontic loads. Stability is assessed in two phases: primary stability, which reflects immediate mechanical retention in bone, and secondary stability, which results from biological remodeling and healing over time. Multiple factors such as age, gender, bone characteristics, screw dimensions, and force magnitude may influence screw stability. Recent studies suggest that local inflammation around mini-screws, similar to peri-implantitis in dental implants, can compromise bone integrity and lead to screw failure. Inadequate oral hygiene and the absence of keratinized tissue at the insertion site are among the key risk factors associated with inflammation and soft tissue complications. Unlike traditional implants, mini-screws are often inserted at variable intraoral locations and subject to angular force vectors, which may further impact surrounding periodontal tissues. This cross-sectional clinical study aims to evaluate the effects of orthodontic mini-screw placement on general oral health and periodontal tissue status. The study will investigate site-specific and full-mouth periodontal parameters and explore potential associations between mini-screw stability, soft tissue characteristics, and signs of mucosal inflammation.

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