# Clinical Investigation of Patients With Anchor Screws and Plates at Tokyo Dental College Chiba Dental Center

## TL;DR

This study analyzed the use of anchor screws and plates in orthodontic treatments at a dental center over seven years, showing a shift in their primary purpose.

## Contribution

The study highlights a change in the predominant use of anchor screws from distal movement to maximum anchorage in the mandible.

## Key findings

- Most patients were in their teens and 20s, with a higher number of females than males.
- Maximum anchorage became the primary use for anchor screws in the mandible, replacing distal movement.
- Self-funded treatments accounted for more implant placements compared to public insurance-covered treatments.

## Abstract

Purpose

A clinical statistical survey was conducted on the usage of anchor screws and plates over a seven-year period from 2014 to 2021, with the objective of examining trends in their application by comparing the findings with the previous research.

Materials and methods

The subjects of this study were all patients who started comprehensive orthodontic treatment and underwent the placement of anchor screws and plates at the Department of Orthodontics, Tokyo Dental College Chiba Dental Center (formerly Chiba Hospital) between April 2014 and March 2021. The survey collected data on gender, age at the initial exam, type of treatment (self-funded or public medical insurance-covered), patient category, malocclusion classification, and treatment details from medical records.

Results

A total of 655 patients were included, consisting of 197 males and 458 females, with the majority being in their teens and 20s. Of this, 409 patients received implants in self-funded treatments, while 246 received implants in public medical insurance-covered treatment, including 193 patients with jaw deformities. The primary purpose of usage in the maxilla was for maximum anchorage, followed by distal movement. In the mandible, maximum anchorage accounted for 77 (44%), while distal movement comprised 68 (39%).

Conclusion

Our department has also previously reported the clinical statistics of anchor screw and plate usage, where the primary use of anchor screws in the mandible was for distal movement; however, in the current report, the predominant usage shifted to maximum anchorage. Given that further changes in the purposes of anchor screw usage may arise, continuous clinical statistical analysis will be necessary for future observations.