What are micro-screws?
Micro-screws, also called micro-implants, are very small screws, i.e. screws that vary in thickness from 1.4 mm to 2.0 mm thick and 6 mm to 12 mm in length.
Micro-screws have radically changed orthodontics, allowing dental movements that were previously impossible or very difficult to perform. This means finishing the treatment in less time and having greater control when moving groups of teeth.
Why are they so useful for dentists?
While some patients may have understandable fears about the placement of micro-screws, patient comfort is dramatically improved by micro-screws during the year/year and a half of treatment. In the past, in order to achieve certain movements and perform orthodontics, large and very uncomfortable appliances were placed in the mouth on the palate and on the lower part of the inside of the mouth, which were uncomfortable when speaking, swallowing, accumulated dirt and were very difficult to clean. Today all this is a thing of the past.
How are they implemented?
As in everything there are many brands and varieties of micro-screws. But basically there are the older micro-screws that required a small incision (cut) in the gum and then could be placed through a previously prepared small hole.
Those used today, micro-screws where placement has become a very simple procedure that takes about 30 seconds thanks to the so-called self-drilling and self-tapping micro-screws. This means that there is no longer any incision or hole to be made prior to placement. The same screw is equipped with an active part (see photo) that allows this type of positioning.