Bone Mineral Density and Anatomic Limitations of Miniscrew Placement at Buccal Interradicular Sites: A Quantitative Computed Tomography Study

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) and anatomic limitations of miniscrew placement at buccal interradicular sites.

Methods: Virtual miniscrews were placed at the interradicular sites from the canines to the second molars of 139 patients who underwent quantitative computed tomography. Mixed-effects modeling and logistic regression were used to test the differences in BMD and the odds of root proximity, sinus invasion, and bicortical perforation according to sex, growth status, and interradicular site.

Results: No significant interradicular BMD differences were observed between the sexes. Adults had higher interradicular BMDs than adolescents only in the mandible. There were no significant BMD differences among the maxillary interradicular sites, whereas the mandibular interradicular BMD tended to increase from the anterior to the posterior regions. All interradicular bones belonged to the same category according to Misch's classification, and BMD differences of <0.05 g/cc were observed in most sites except between mandibular molars. The interradicular BMD measurements were unavailable for 41.9% and 24.6% of the maxilla and mandible, respectively, mostly because of root proximity. The most anatomically favorable site was between the mandibular premolars, whereas the most unfavorable site was between the maxillary molars. The odds of anatomic limitations were not significantly affected by growth state or sex.

Conclusions: Regarding BMD, all interradicular sites from the canines to the second molars may be adequate candidates for miniscrew placement, regardless of growth state and sex. Anatomic limitations should be carefully considered when placing miniscrews, specifically between the maxillary molars.