Comparative analysis of anchorage strength and histomorphometric changes after implantation of miniscrews in adults and adolescents: an experimental study in Beagles

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the differences in anchorage strength and histomorphometric changes in orthodontic miniscrews between adult and adolescent beagles. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Six adult beagles and six young beagles were used as experimental subjects, and eight miniscrews were symmetrically placed in the posterior mandible of each dog. Measurement of the displacement (mm) of two adjacent miniscrews after load application was performed to compare the anchorage strength between the adult and adolescent groups. Three intravital bone fluorochromes (oxytetracycline, calcein green, xylenol orange) were administered postoperatively to mark the active bone-forming surface. Subsequently, the mineral apposition rate and bone-implant contact ratio were measured for dynamic and static histomorphometry. Finally, the expression levels of the RANKL/OPG ratio were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The average displacement of miniscrews in the adult group was significantly less than that in the adolescent group after load application. For histomorphometry analysis, the mineral exposure rate in the adolescent group was higher than that in the adult group with or without force application. In addition, more fractures and new bone formation but deceased bone-implant contact ratios were observed in the adolescent group than in the adult group. The ratio of RANKL/OPG expression increased more in the adolescent group than in the adult group. CONCLUSION: Miniscrews do not remain in the same position as skeletal anchors, and the amount of displacement was higher in adolescent group than that in adult group, reflecting the weaker anchorage strength of miniscrews in adolescents due to the higher bone turnover rate and active bone remodelling. Therefore, it is feasible to apply orthodontic loading to the miniscrews in adult patients earlier, even immediately, but it is recommended to wait a period for the adolescents. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-023-03318-y.