Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on mini/micro screw implantation for orthodontic anchorage.
Description
This procedure is most commonly undertaken by orthodontists. Orthodontic mini- and microscrew systems have been developed from maxillofacial fixation techniques; they use mechanical retention for anchorage. They are small self-tapping titanium screws.
Under local anaesthesia a pilot hole is drilled into the maxilla or mandible and the screw is inserted through the bone cortex and into the alveolar bone using a screwdriver-like tool. More than one screw can be inserted if necessary.
Orthodontic loading can be achieved immediately after insertion, although it is often undertaken at a second visit. Following completion of the orthodontic treatment the screw(s) can be extracted and the incision site can be expected to heal spontaneously.
Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.