The use of titanium fixtures for intraoral anchorage to facilitate orthodontic tooth movement.

The use of endosseous implants to facilitate orthodontic tooth movement has been periodically reported in the scientific literature for over 40 years. The predictable achievement of rigid bone-implant anchorage was first applied by Brånemark in 1965. Using the osseointegration method, a prospective study was conducted involving seven adult patients who were treated with titanium implants used as rigid anchorage units. Orthodontic forces were directed off the implants to correct a variety of malocclusions. All 14 implants placed remained stable during the course of treatment with loading forces of 150 to 400 g. No significant complications occurred. Desirable occlusal and facial results were achieved in all cases. The results obtained over a 3-year period of treatment indicate that intraoral rigid anchorage in the absence of observed reciprocal action is possible.