Tray-Grid Guide for Accurate Mini-implant Insertion.

The use of Orthodontic mini-implant anchorage is rapidly growing. With the improved understanding of the biomechanics, an array of tooth movements are possible with mini-implants. Precise positioning of miniscrews is critical to their success. Surgical stents, guides and templates can transfer a radiographically planned, three-dimensional implant position to the surgical site more accurately. A new technique using thermoplastic sheets and a grid made of 0.012" stainless steel ligature wire (Tray-Grid Guide; TGG) was devised that provides reliable guidance in terms of both location and angulations with minimal complications. It was found to be effective and efficient to obtain a precise and accurate placement of mini-implants. It is particularly valuable when the mini-implant is prescribed and inserted by different clinicians or when the orthodontist is inexperienced in implant techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]