Uses of implants in orthodontics.

In recent years, endosseous implants have become practical and reliable adjuncts for dental rehabilitation. That same technology can and will be used in orthodontics to provide anchorage for tooth and bone movement. As anchors for dental movement, osseointegrated implants particularly are useful in patients who are partially edentulous; the implants subsequently can be used as bridge abutments. As anchors for bone movement, implants will be used to modify facial growth. Although implants have not yet been used for this purpose in children, there are no unsolvable technological problems.