The correlation between soft tissue biotype and cortical bone thickness as succes factors in mini-implant placement – Pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to correlate two of the factors that influence the success rate of orthodontic mini-implants and establish the correlation between soft tissue biotype and the underlying cortical bone thickness. Material and methods: 2 patients (one with a thick and one with a thin biotype, according to TRAN technique) were selected. Clinical and radiological measurements were performed in order to determine the soft tissue and cortical bone thickness. The soft tissue thickness was measured using a periodontal probe with an endodontic stopper, and the cortical bone thickness was measured using a CBCT scan. Results: The thin biotype was correlated with thin cortical bone, while the thick biotype was correlated with a thicker cortical bone. Conclusion: The correlation between the gingival biotype and cortical bone thickness would allow the clinician to select the optimal mini-implant design and to ensure a more predictable outcome.