Quantitative evaluation of cortical bone thickness and root proximity at maxillary interradicular sites for orthodontic mini-implant placement

Few studies have evaluated interradicular anatomy for cortical bone thickness and root proximity when placing a mini‐implant for orthodontic anchorage. The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical guideline to indicate the best location, according to different insertion angles, for placement of a mini‐implant with respect to the thickness of cortical bone and root proximity. CT images from 14 men and 14 women (mean age, 27 years; range, 23–35 years) were used to evaluate the buccal interradicular cortical bone thickness and root proximity from and mesial to the central incisor to the second molar. A measure of cortical bone thickness was performed at four different angles. Generally, thin cortical bone thickness was found in the central/central incisors and central/lateral incisors interradicular sites. Cortical bone thickness increased significantly as the insertion angle increased except for interradicular sites at the 2 mm level from the alveolar crest. The volume of cortical bone engagement increased significantly at the 4 and 6 mm levels from the alveolar crest with an insertion angle of 30° and 45° in most interradicular sites. The lateral incisor/canine and second premolar/first molar interradicular sites showed greater space between roots compared with other sites, although this was not statistically significant. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that mini‐implants be placed at the 4 and 6 mm levels from the alveolar crest with 30° and 45° angles for the majority of interradicular sites to ensure better cortical bone to mini‐implant contact without root damage. Clin. Anat. 21:486–491, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.