Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part E (2021)

Orthodontic anchorage is usually achieved by using a tooth (or) a group of teeth to effect the movement of other malpositioned teeth. Adequate anchorage becomes difficult when the key teeth that might be used for anchorage are missing.

Conservation of anchorage in totality has been a perennial problem to the traditional orthodontist. Conventional means of supporting anchorage have been using either intra oral or by extra oral means. Both of these have their limitations. The extra oral forces resist the continuous tooth moving forces but are also taxing on patient’s compliance.

Because of this limited anchorage potential and acceptance problem of conventional intra oral and extra oral aids, implants as a means of orthodontic anchorage are gaining increased importance in orthodontic treatment. Implants for the purpose of conserving anchorage are welcome additions to the armamentarium of the clinical orthodontist to overcome the challenge of unwanted reciprocal tooth movement.

When maximal anchorage is required during orthodontic treatment, additional aids are often needed to support the anchoring teeth. Implant systems have been proposed to reinforce orthodontic anchorage without the need for extra-oral appliance.