Microanalysis of Changes in 3D Geometry of Orthodontic Mini-implants

Twenty orthodontic mini-implants (n=20) (AbsoAnchor SH 1312-08, Dentos, Daegu, South Korea) were randomly chosen (every third screw from a sample of 60) numbered consecutively, and embedded in polivynyl siloxane impression material Variotype heavy putty (Kulzer, Hanau, Germany).

After the planned movement is achieved, the mini-implant will be removed and provided to laboratory analysis. All screws were sputtered (0.6µm CaCO₄) and scanned in blue-light technology, using a 3D optical scanner (Atos III, Triple Scan, GOM, Germany) to the nearest 2 micrometres. Due to regularly performed calibration procedures, recommended by the manufacturer, an error study was superfluous. Subsequently, the scans were superimposed using GOM Inspect Software (GOM, Braunschweig, Germany) in order to verify the shape and size repeatability.