Long-term stability behavior of paramedian palatal mini-implants: A repeated cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The initial stability of orthodontic mini-implants is well investigated over a period of 6 weeks. There is no clinical data available dealing with the long-term stability. The aim of this study was the assessment of long-term stability of paramedian palatal mini-implants in humans. METHODS: Stability of 20 implants was measured after removal of the orthodontic appliance (sliding mechanics for sagittal molar movement 200 cN each side) before explantation (T4) using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Data were compared with a matched group of 21 mini-implants assessing the stability immediately after insertion, and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks (T0-T3). The mini-implants used in this study were machined self-drilling titanium implants (2.0 x 9.0 mm). Gingival thickness at the insertion site was 1-2 mm. RESULTS: The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values before removal of the implant at T4 were 25.2 +/- 2.9 after 1.7 +/- 0.2 years and did not show a statistically significant change over time compared with the initial healing group (T0-T3). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the stability of mini-implants just after completion of the healing period and at the end of their respective usage period revealed no significant difference. An increase of secondary stability could not be detected. The level of stability seemed to be appropriate for orthodontic anchorage.