Studies on the efficacy of implants as orthodontic anchorage.

The abilities of two types of small cylindrical endosseous implant to resist movement when loaded with constant forces of orthodontic magnitudes were tested. Pairs of Bioglass-coated implants and pairs of Vitallium implants of the same size were implanted into the femurs of twelve rabbits. After a 28-day healing period, these implants were loaded with forces of 60 grams, 120 grams, and 180 grams. Analysis of implant movement after 28 days revealed that no statistically significant movement occurred at any of the three force levels for either type of implant. Histologic evaluation revealed a connective tissue encapsulation with the Vitallium implant and an implant-bone bond with the Bioglass implant. No histologic evidence of implant movement was observed for either implant type at any force level.