Stability of secondarily inserted orthodontic miniscrews after failure of the primary insertion for maxillary anchorage: Maxillary buccal area vs midpalatal suture area.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have examined the secondary insertion of orthodontic miniscrews after failure of the first insertion. We investigated both the primary and secondary success rates of miniscrews used for maxillary anchorage and compared the stability of the maxillary buccal area (MB) and the midpalatal suture area (MP).

METHODS: In total, 387 miniscrews were primarily inserted into the MB (between the second premolar and first molar); of these, 81 (20.9%) miniscrews lacked stability and were reinserted into the MB (same position or more distal position) or the MP. Additionally, 84 miniscrews were primarily inserted into the MP; 13 (15.5%) of those lacked stability and were reinserted into the MP. We calculated and compared the primary and secondary success rates in each area. Moreover, we investigated the factors affecting clinical success.

RESULTS: Although the success rate of the secondary insertion was significantly lower than that of the primary insertion into the MB, miniscrews inserted into the MP were stable in both primary and secondary insertions. The screw length was significantly associated with the stability of miniscrews inserted into the MB.

CONCLUSIONS: For secondary insertions, miniscrews placed in the MP may be more stable than those inserted in the MB.