Assessing Double Acid-Etched Implants Submitted to Orthodontic Forces and Used as Prosthetic Anchorages in Partially Edentulous Patients

UNLABELLED The use of implants as anchorage for orthodontic forces seems to be a good alternative in partially edentulous patients needing orthodontic treatment. This study is aimed at assessing the performance and behavior of microtextured surface endosseous implants obtained by means of a double acid etching against orthodontic forces, as well as their adequacy to be used first as anchorage and later as fixtures for the definitive prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 93 double acid-etched surface parallel wall implants (Osseotite(R) Implants, Implant Innovations Inc., Palm Beach, Florida, USA) were inserted in 38 partially edentulous patients prior to orthodontic treatment This was carried out by following two-stage surgery protocols in the maxilla as well as in the mandible. After a healing period of six months for the maxilla and four months for the mandible, the implants were used as anchorage for sliding, compression and traction orthodontic forces between 100 to 200 g by means of Ni-TI springs. Bone level and Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) were measured before and after the introduction of the orthodontics forces. RESULTS After removal of the orthodontics appliances, all the implants remained stabile and served as support for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth. The bone level showed no variationeven when a positive difference 0.02 +/- 0.38mm was noticed. The RFA scored a significant difference (p</= 0.03) between the initial Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values (66) and the final ones (68). CONCLUSIONS These findings showed that Osseotite implants were able to support the orthodontic forces applied during this investigation, maintaining osseointegration without significant variation in bone level. Therefore, they can be used to support dental prosthesis once they have been used as orthodontic anchorage under the cited conditions.