Recently, orthodontic mini-screws have been used frequently for anchorage control which plays an important role in determining orthodontic treatment results. Yet, studies regarding the mechanical properties of mini-screws and the element factors influ...
Recently, orthodontic mini-screws have been used frequently for anchorage control which plays an important role in determining orthodontic treatment results. Yet, studies regarding the mechanical properties of mini-screws and the element factors influencing stability are rare.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of mini-screws through continuous measuring of torque during inserting and removing with driving torque tester(Biomaterials Korea Inc., Seoul, Korea) and testing of Pull-Out Strength with universal testing machine(Instron 3366, Instron Corp., Massachusetts, U. S. A.) using experimental bone blocks having different cortical bone thickness. The driving torque tester is capable of rotating at a constant velocity under the constant vertical force. Three types of commercially available drill-free type mini-screws(Type A; pure cylindrical type, Biomaterials Korea Inc., Seoul, Korea, Type B; partial cylindrical type, Jeil Medical Corp., Seoul, Korea, Type C; combination type of cylindrical and taper type, Ortholution, Seoul, Korea), having different screw designs in contact area with cortical bone, were used in this study.The obtained results were as follows:1. There was a little effect of cortical bone thickness on maximum insertion torque or maximum removal torque in Type A mini-screws. But in Type B and C, maximum insertion torque and maximum removal torque increased as cortical bone thickness increased. Maximum insertion torque of Type C was highest in all situation, and then Type B, Type A in order.2. Torque loss existed in all individuals. Type A mini-screws showed lower torque loss and longer removal time than Type B or C, and Type C mini-screws showed shorter removal time and lower Pull-Out Strength than Type A or B in all situations.3. There were statistically significant interrelations between cortical bone thickness and maximum insertion torque, maximum removal torque, and Pull-Out Strength in each type of mini-screws.According to our experiment, the taper type mini-screw, especially gradually increasing thread diameter type, showed the highest torque value. It was advisable to choose the taper type mini-screws in thin cortical bone area and the cylindrical type in thick cortical bone area. And the study using the driving torque tester and experimental bone blocks can be one of the most useful methods in the study to evaluate the mechanical properties of orthodontic mini-screws.