What's a mini-screw? It's a small metal screw that is inserted through your gum into the jaw bone. It helps to move teeth which are not in proper position. (Also called micro-screws, mini-implants, or TADS: temporary anchor devices)
Who needs mini-screws? When surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support the force applied by a brace, a mini-screw acts as an anchor to help straighten the teeth and close the gaps.
How are the mini-screws applied? They can be placed any time during your treatment. Typically a local anesthetic is used to numb the gum area. A hole is sometimes created in the jaw, and the screw is inserted either through the hole created, or gently inserted directly into the bone. A brace can then be attached to the mini-screw at that time, or at a later visit, to begin repositioning the tooth.
Will it be painful? No. After the local anesthetic wears off, you may have a mild ache. After your fixed brace is adjustment, your teeth might feel a little tender for a few days.
What do I need to do? Gently brush around the screw twice daily. Don't use an electric toothbrush around the mini-screw. Don't fiddle with it with your tongue or fingers. Use a chlorhexidine mouthwash to rinse around the mini-screw twice daily for the first 5 days. The mini-screw may feel a little loose at first. If it becomes very loose, contact Dr. Laura.
How long with the mini-screw be in my mouth? It's usually in place for several months while the teeth are being moved into an improved position. Once movement is complete, the screw is taken out. No anesthesia is necessary to remove the mini-screw, and the bone will heal within a few days.
What if I don't want a mini-screw placed in my mouth? Dr. Lineberry will give you options to straighten your teeth and close unwanted spaces. Mini-screws make treatment more efficient. There are alternative options which can be discussed. Dr. Laura will offer her input and advice on the best way to achieve excellent results, but the decision is yours.
Are there risks? There are no major safety concerns regarding using mini-screws. Success rates are better than 80%. The screw is usually placed between the roots of two teeth. Most mini-screws remain intact during treatment. Possible risks can include: The mini-screw may touch a tooth root during placement, but it should heal with no problem. If the screw becomes loose, it can be replaced in the same position or in a different position. 15-20% of mini-screws fail early and need to be replaced or removed. As long as the area is kept clean, infection is very unlikely.
Where can I get more information? The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has information on this procedure for patients at: www.nihce.org.uk/IPG238publicinfo