Surgical difficulties, success, and complication rates of orthodontic miniplate anchorage systems: Experience with 382 miniplates

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications and success rates of the miniplates using both maxilla and mandible for orthodontic anchorage in growing patients.Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty‑five consecutive patients (range 8.7–13.8 years) with Class II and III malocclusion without congenital or acquired deformities were included in this study. A total of 382 titanium miniplates were placed by the same surgeon. All miniplates were inserted under local anesthesia. Loading of the miniplates with a force of 200 g with the help of elastics or functional devices were initiated 3 weeks after surgery.Results: The overall success rate of miniplate anchorage in terms of stability was 96.8%. Twenty‑one patients reported irritation of the mucosa of the cheeks or lower lip after the surgery in the mandible group. Twelve miniplates needed to be removed and were successfully replaced.Conclusion: Skeletal anchorage miniplates is effective for correcting malocclusions. Success depends on proper presurgical patient counseling, minimally invasive surgery, good postsurgical instructions, and orthodontic follow‑up.Keywords: Miniplates, oral surgery, orthodontic anchorag