USE OF ORTHODONTIC MINISCREWS AS TEMPORARY SKELETAL ANCHORAGE IN THE TREATMENT OF SKELETAL CLASS III MALOCCLUSION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

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Abstract
Skeletal Class III malocclusion presents substantial therapeutic challenges because of its heterogeneous skeletal and dentoalveolar components and the limitations of conventional orthodontic and orthopedic approaches. This narrative review aimed to critically summarize the available evidence on the use of orthodontic microimplants as temporary skeletal anchorage in the treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for English-language publications from 2015 to 2026 using terms related to skeletal Class III malocclusion, microimplants, skeletal anchorage, MARPE, and maxillary protraction; additional studies were identified through reference screening. The reviewed evidence indicates that microimplant-assisted protocols can improve anchorage control, reduce unwanted dentoalveolar compensation, and facilitate maxillary protraction, hybrid expansion, intermaxillary elastic therapy, and mandibular distalization. The greatest clinical benefit appears to occur in growing patients with maxillary deficiency, whereas in nongrowing patients microimplants mainly support orthodontic camouflage. Outcomes depend on skeletal maturity, appliance design, implant location and stability, force direction, anatomical conditions, and patient cooperation. Although short-term skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue effects are generally favorable, microimplants do not predictably restrict mandibular growth and cannot replace orthognathic surgery in severe skeletal discrepancies. Current evidence remains limited by heterogeneous protocols, small samples, and insufficient long-term follow-up. Microimplants should therefore be regarded as an adjunctive anchorage method within individualized biomechanical treatment planning.

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