Biomechanical strength analysis of mini anchors for the temporomandibular joint.

INTRODUCTION

The usage of mini anchors for the treatment of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is considered an innovative treatment, and it has presented excellent clinical results in the stabilization of the articular disc. This study aimed to evaluate, through mechanical tensile testing, the resistance of mini anchors for TMJ articular disc repositioning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten thermoplastic polymer poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) mini anchors were tested in artificial polyurethane blocks with a pullout test in a mechanical Instron™ machine, model 4411. The mini anchors were pulled out until failure and the force and displacement were recorded for each specimen. A small standard deviation was noted, which indicated reproducibility.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that Cillen™ mini anchors presented a mean force at failure up to 46.1 N with similar values in the scientific literature. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted for a comparison of PEEK mini anchors with other commercially available anchors, in addition to studies related to PEEK, a scarcely known material in the dentistry field.