Orthodontic microimplant—what is it, and why use it?

What are orthodontic microimplants?

Orthodontic microimplants are small screws made most often of titanium that are temporarily implanted into the jaw or jawbone to provide a stable fulcrum for the braces. They allow the teeth to be moved precisely, which is especially helpful in complicated cases of treatment when traditional methods do not give sufficient control. Microimplants are minimally invasive, easy to remove after treatment and significantly increase the effectiveness and predictability of orthodontic therapy.

Why do I need an orthodontic microimplant?

You may need an orthodontic microimplant if you need to precisely move some teeth during orthodontic treatment, and the classic appliance does not provide sufficient support. Thanks to the microimplant, the orthodontist has an additional, stable attachment point that allows the teeth to be moved in a controlled manner – for example, the retraction of the molars, the closure of the teeth or the correction of the bite. This is especially useful in more difficult cases where traditional methods would be less effective or last longer.

When are orthodontic microimplants used?

Orthodontic microimplants are used when additional anchoring is needed to move teeth effectively and precisely, especially in difficult cases of treatment. Most often they are used for:

1. Retraction of the front teeth (retraction)

Used, for example, after the removal of teeth (most often four), when you need to move the incisors and canines back to close the resulting gaps. The microimplant provides a stable point of support so that the posterior (molar) teeth do not move forward, and all movement takes place on the front of the arch. This improves the aesthetics of the profile and allows you to close the space precisely.

2. Closing the gaps between the teeth

If there are gaps between teeth, for example as a result of tooth deficiencies, periodontitis or jaw development disproportionate to the lower jaw, microimplants allow the teeth to be moved in a controlled manner so as to close the gaps without moving other teeth in an undesirable direction. They are especially useful when you need to move only one section of the dental arch.

3. Treatment of open bite

An open bite is when the front teeth do not touch each other during the bite – a gap remains between them. Microimplants allow for intrusion (or “insertion” into the bone) of the lateral teeth, which helps to close the bite at the front. This is an alternative to orthognathic surgery in moderate cases.

4. Treatment of deep bite

In a deep bite, the front teeth overlap too tightly. Microimplants can be used to raise the front teeth or lower the back teeth, which aligns the lines of the short circuit. They give precise control over the direction of movement of the teeth, without affecting other structures of the oral cavity.

5. Correcting the occipital asymmetry

When one side of the jaw is more extended or retracted than the other, microimplants can help align the bite by moving the teeth unilaterally. They provide the ability to act only on one side of the dental arch, without the need for extractions or surgery.

6. Lack of natural anchor points

In some patients, lateral teeth are missing (e.g., after extractions), which makes it difficult to anchor the apparatus. Microimplants replace natural anchorage and allow effective orthodontic treatment even in cases of significant dental deficiencies.

7. Avoiding extracorporeal lifts (e.g., headgear)

In traditional treatment, it was necessary to wear external devices, e.g., so-called “caps” with elastic bands. Microimplants allow you to avoid these uncomfortable and not very aesthetic solutions, providing a stable anchorage inside the oral cavity.

What does orthodontic microimplant placement look like?

The installation of a mini orthodontic implant is a quick and minimally invasive procedure performed in the dental office, most often without the need to incise the gum. The step-by-step course of the procedure should look something like this:

Step 1. Consultation and treatment plan

The orthodontist assesses whether there is a need for a microimplant. Based on X-rays or 3D tomography, he determines the place where the implant can be safely and effectively placed — away from the roots of the teeth and nerves.

Step 2. Preparing for the procedure

The patient sits on the dental chair. The microimplant insertion site is disinfected and locally anaesthetised (most often with lidocaine). Anaesthesia is pointed and does not require general anaesthesia.

Step 3. Introduction of the microimplant

The orthodontist gently inserts a titanium screw (about 1.2—2 mm in diameter and 6—10 mm long) directly through the gum into the bone—most often without prior incision. Often he does it manually or with the help of a special micromotor. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes.

Step 4. Stabilisation

After the microimplant is placed, a spring, chain or elastic band can be immediately attached to the head to connect it to the orthodontic appliance. Some implants begin to work immediately; others after a few days.

Step 5. Instructions for the patient

After the procedure, the patient should not touch the area with his tongue or brush for 24 hours and, for several days, avoid hard foods in this area and, of course, maintain oral hygiene (e.g., rinsing the mouth with an antibacterial agent).

Step 6. Checks and Removal

The microimplant remains in the oral cavity for several months (duration depends on the treatment). Once it has fulfilled its function, the orthodontist removes it easily – usually without anaesthesia, in a single movement, much like unscrewing a screw.

Advantages of orthodontic microimplants

Orthodontic microimplants are a modern solution supporting the treatment of malocclusion, which is gaining more and more popularity among orthodontists and patients. Due to their small size and high functionality, they allow us to achieve therapeutic effects that were previously difficult or even impossible to achieve using traditional methods. However, these are not their only advantages.

1) Effective anchoring—microimplants provide a very stable point of support, allowing precise and controlled tooth movement—especially in difficult cases where a traditional anchor (e.g., molars) would be insufficient.

2) Shorter treatment time — With greater control over tooth movement and elimination of unwanted displacements, treatment can be faster and more effective.

3) Avoiding extraction or surgery — in many cases, the use of microimplants avoids the removal of healthy teeth or complicated surgical treatment.

4) Alternative to extracorporeal extractions — microimplants eliminate the need to wear cumbersome external devices (e.g., headgear), which improves the comfort and aesthetics of treatment.

5) Minimally invasive and fast procedure — the insertion procedure takes a few minutes, is performed under local anaesthesia, and does not require cutting the gums or sutures.

6) Safe and well tolerated by the body — made of titanium (a biocompatible material), microimplants are well tolerated by tissues and rarely cause inflammatory reactions.

7) Immediate action — in many cases you can start using orthodontic forces the same day after implant placement, without waiting long for integration into the bone.

Does an orthodontic microimplant hurt?

Installing an orthodontic microimplant usually does not hurt, as it is performed under local anaesthesia, which completely eliminates pain sensations during the procedure. The very introduction of the screw into the bone takes several minutes and is compared by patients to light pressure or vibration. Of course, after the procedure, there may be a slight discomfort or a feeling of tension at the implant site — similar to that which accompanies the activation of the braces. These symptoms are usually mild and go away after 1—2 days. If necessary, commonly available pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol) can be used.

How much does an orthodontic microimplant cost?

The price of an orthodontic microimplant in Poland depends on the location of the practice (large cities may have higher prices), the orthodontist's experience, the type of implant used, and whether the cost also includes the installation and follow-up visits. Usually in provincial cities prices for orthodontic microimplants start from 3000-3500 PLN.

How to care for dental microimplants?

A well-maintained microimplant remains stable and trouble-free throughout the treatment. Proper care of orthodontic microimplants is crucial to prevent inflammation and ensure their stability. How to care for microimplants?

1) Maintain perfect oral hygiene — daily and thorough brushing of teeth is essential. Focus especially on the area around the microimplant to remove bacterial plaque. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle cleaning technique.

2) Clean the implant with a special brush or irrigator — single-bristle (solo) brushes or water irrigators are recommended, which allow you to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas around the implant.

3) Use antibacterial rinses – in the first days after application, use lotions with chlorhexidine (e.g., Eludril, Corsodyl), which reduce the risk of infection. Later, you can use milder herbal or non-alcoholic rinses.

4) Avoid touching the implants with your fingers or tongue – especially in the first days after insertion – touching can lead to infection or irritation.

5) Avoid hard and sticky foods at the implant site — do not bite hard things (e.g., nuts, bread crusts) on the side where the implant is. Sticky food (e.g., caramel) can weigh down or displace the microimplant.

6) Observe check-ups — regular check-ups with the orthodontist allow you to detect possible problems early (e.g., inflammation, loosening).