Clinical observations and success rates of palatal implants

IntroductionAnchorage control is a challenge in orthodontics. Implants can be used to provide absolute anchorage.The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rates of palatal implants used for various anchorage purposes.MethodsThirty-four palatal implants were placed in 33 patients. In the adults (n = 9), the implants (n = 9) were placed in the median palatal suture. In the adolescents (n = 24), the implants (n = 25) were placed in the paramedian region. The implants were used to support a transpalatal arch, a modified distal jet appliance, or a modified hyrax screw. An implant was considered successful if it could be used as planned throughout the orthodontic treatment. The patients were asked to evaluate their pain perception after placement and explantation procedures.ResultsThree implants failed early (during the waiting period before orthodontic loading, within 3 months after placement). During the orthodontic loading period, no implants were lost. No statistically significant correlations were found between success rate and sex, age, primary stability, placement site (median or paramedian), implant size, or palatal depth. Pain perception after surgery was acceptable. The success rate of the palatal implants in this study was 91%.ConclusionsPalatal implants are a reliable method of providing absolute anchorage control in a variety of patients for different indications. They can be loaded both directly and indirectly.