Orthodontic anchorage implants inserted in the median palatal suture and normal transverse maxillary growth in growing dogs: a biometric and radiographic study.

Small osseointegrated implants inserted in the palate provide a reliable anchorage control during orthodontic treatment. When these implants are inserted in the median palatal suture in growing individuals, the possible effects on normal transverse maxillary growth are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of orthodontic anchorage implants on transverse maxillary growth when inserted in the median palatal suture of growing dogs. Five growing dogs were used, one of them randomly selected as a control dog. The test dogs each received two implants in the median palatal suture. Impressions and occlusal radiographs of the upper jaws were taken at baseline (TO), after 84 days (T1), and at the end of the study after 168 days (T2). Measurements to compare increases in maxillary width between test dogs and control dog were performed on study casts and occlusal radiographs at TO, T1, and T2. Restricted transverse growth was observed in the test dogs in the canine region. Transverse growth in the region of second and fourth premolars was similar for the test dogs and the control dog. These results may be of some clinical relevance when orthodontic anchorage implants are to be inserted in growing individuals. An alternative insertion site, for example the parasagittal region, should be considered in these cases, to avoid possible negative effects on normal transverse maxillary development.