Orthodontic mini-implant stability in different healing times before loading: A microscopic computerized tomographic and biomechanical analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different healing times before loading on the stability of implanted titanium mini-implant.Study designForty mini-implants were implanted in bilateral maxilla in 10 beagles, loaded with a force of 0.98 N after a delay of 0 day (immediately activated) and 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks. Microscopic computerized tomography (μCT) and pullout test were used for morphometric and biomechanical analyses, respectively.ResultsAll μCT parameters and the Fmax of mini-implants were stimulated with the prolongation of healing time before loading. Between the group of 1 week and 3 weeks, a more obvious rising tendency of both μCT parameters and the Fmax of implants was observed. After 3 weeks, the tendency of increase tapered off.ConclusionThe results indicated that early loading may decrease osseointegration of mini-implants.