Miniscrews as orthodontic anchorage: a preliminary report.

The problems related to anchorage for orthodontic tooth movements in patients with deficient dentition are discussed, and various solutions suggested in the literature, including "onplants," implants, and zygoma wires, are evaluated. A miniscrew is presented as alternative anchorage, and possible locations for placement are discussed, based on studies of bone quality in dry skulls. Application of the miniscrew as anchorage for various types of tooth movement is demonstrated. Miniscrews are easily placed and removed and can be loaded immediately following insertion. However, stability is limited after loading with torsion.