In a recent article in The Angle Orthodontist, Morten, Laursen, Melsen, and Cattaneo set out to: 1) report the thickness of the cortical bone in insertion sites commonly used for orthodontic mini-implants; (2) assess the impact of a change in insertion angle on primary cortical bone-to-implant contact; and 3) to evaluate the risk of maxillary sinus perforation.

According to their conclusion, “Buccally and palatally in the maxilla and buccally in the anterior mandible, the thickness of the alveolar cortical bone is often less than 1 mm. In contrast, the alveolar cortical bone is frequently thicker than 2 mm laterally in the mandible. Changing the insertion angle to 45° will generally enhance implant stability but increase the risk of perforation to the maxillary sinus.”

For more practical clinical tips on TADs, click here.