In adult patients or in cases where growth modification is no longer feasible, achieving true anterior intrusion while maintaining posterior vertical stability represents a significant biomechanical challenge.
Over the last decade—and particularly in the last five years—scientific evidence has consistently supported the use of mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices (TADs) as a predictable and efficient solution for anterior dental intrusion and deep bite correction.
Why Mini-Implants Matter in Deep Bite Treatment
Conventional deep bite mechanics often rely on posterior extrusion, reverse curve archwires, or bite plates.
While effective in selected cases, these approaches may introduce undesirable side effects such as molar extrusion, clockwise mandibular rotation, anchorage loss, or compromised facial aesthetics—especially in hyperdivergent or adult patients.
Mini-implants offer absolute skeletal anchorage, allowing orthodontists to bypass dental anchorage limitations.
This makes it possible to apply direct intrusive forces to the anterior segment, targeting the underlying cause of deep bite when incisor overeruption is present.
► DENTAL BOOK: Cleft and Craniofacial Orthodontics - 1st Edition - Pradip R Shetye and Travis L Gibson (2023)
Biomechanical Advantages of Mini-Implant–Supported Intrusion
Recent studies emphasize that mini-implants allow force vectors to be placed closer to the center of resistance of the anterior dental segment, promoting true intrusion rather than uncontrolled tipping.
Key biomechanical and clinical advantages include:
✔ Precise vertical control of maxillary or mandibular incisors
✔ Minimal reciprocal effects on posterior teeth
✔ Reduced risk of bite opening through molar extrusion
✔ Improved incisor display and smile harmony
✔ Better periodontal safety when light continuous forces are applied
✔ Enhanced predictability in adult and non-growing patients
Clinical protocols typically involve the placement of mini-implants in the anterior maxilla, often between the roots or in the paramedian region, with elastomeric chains or coil springs delivering controlled intrusive forces.
Evidence from Recent Scientific Literature (Last 5 Years)
Systematic reviews and clinical trials published over the last five years consistently report that mini-implant–assisted anterior intrusion is more efficient, more stable, and associated with fewer side effects than conventional mechanics.
Intrusion values ranging from 2 to 4 mm have been reported with good periodontal response when force magnitudes are carefully controlled.
Moreover, long-term follow-up studies indicate that relapse rates are low, particularly when intrusion is combined with proper retention protocols and occlusal finishing.
► DENTAL BOOK: Orthodontics - Diagnosis and Management of Malocclusion and Dentofacial Deformities - Om Prakash Kharbanda
Clinical Indications and Case Selection
Mini-implant–supported anterior intrusion is especially indicated in:
✔ Deep bite cases caused by incisor overeruption
✔ Adult patients with limited growth potential
✔ Patients requiring minimal posterior vertical change
✔ Cases where facial aesthetics demand controlled vertical correction
Proper diagnosis, three-dimensional imaging, and biomechanical planning remain essential to avoid root damage and ensure optimal outcomes.
Conclusion
Mini-implants have transformed the management of deep bite malocclusion by enabling true, controlled anterior dental intrusion with minimal side effects.
Backed by robust scientific evidence from recent years, skeletal anchorage has become a cornerstone of modern orthodontics, offering clinicians greater precision, efficiency, and confidence when treating complex vertical discrepancies.
As orthodontic biomechanics continue to evolve, mini-implants stand out as a reliable, evidence-based tool for achieving stable and esthetically pleasing deep bite correction.
References
1. Bardideh E, Tamizi G, Shafaee H, Rangrazi A, Ghorbani M, Kerayechian N. The Effects of Intrusion of Anterior Teeth by Skeletal Anchorage in Deep Bite Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomimetics. 2023.
2. Das SK, et al. Evaluation of dentoalveolar changes following maxillary incisor intrusion using a single midline vs (…) The Angle Orthodontist. 2024.
3. Rasol OA, et al. Evaluation of different methods of correcting deep bite in adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Progress in Orthodontics. 2025.
