Maxillary molar intrusion with micro-implant anchorage (MIA)

BACKGROUND: Intrusion of the maxillary molars is difficult to accomplish using traditional methods of anchorage. AIMS: To describe methods of maxillary molar intrusion with the aid of micro-implants. METHODS: Micro-implants provide stable intra-oral anchorage and enable the maxillary molars to be intruded without the usual side effects. Three adult patients are presented showing how micro-implants can be used to intrude the maxillary molars. In the first patient micro-implants were placed in the alveolar process between the second premolar and first molar, in the second patient micro-implants were placed in the palatal alveolar process between the first and second molars, and in the third patient a micro-implant was placed in the palate paramedially. A transpalatal bar was used to prevent bucco- or linguoversion of the molars during intrusion. CONCLUSIONS: The maxillary molars can be intruded with intra-oral anchorage derived from microscrew implants.