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What is a mini-implant?

It’s a very small (diameter 1.5 - 2mm) specially engineered titanium alloy screw which beds into your gum and jaw bone thereby acting as an anchor point and greatly assisting with the precise movement of your teeth.

Will it be painfull?

Local anaesthesia is used to numb a small area of your gum, and the mini-implant is then gently inserted. You may experience an odd pressure sensation as this occurs. Once the numbness wears off you may feel some discomfort within the first 24 hours and approximately 50% of patients report taking simple painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol) to resolve this.
Mini-implants are simply removed when no longer needed, usually without the need for any anaesthesia (it’s that easy!). The resulting small wound heals painlessly within several days.

What do I need to do?

Use a small toothbrush to gently clean around the top of the mini-implant.
Avoid using an electric toothbrush on the mini-implant itself.
Use Chlorhexidine mouthwash to rinse this area twice daily for the first five days.
Don’t fiddle with it with your fingers!

What problems can I expect?

Research indicates that mini-implants do not damage your teeth or other mouth tissues. The vast majority of mini-implants remain stable during brace treatment and cause little nuisance. However, 10-20% of them become loose prematurely. This is rarely painful but may warrant mini-implant replacement. However, if you have any queries or concerns about a mini-implant then your orthodontist will be able to help.

Photographs showing (1) before treatment; (2) with upper and lower mini-implants connected to the fixed braces; (3) immediately after removal of the upper implant; and (4) after treatment.