Sciences, Beirut Arab University

The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of temporary anchorage devices, rate of bodily canine retraction and anchorage loss using miniscrews as a skeletal anchorage mean. The sample comprised twelve patients (3 males and 9 females, age range 17-28 years) who were scheduled for extraction of upper premolars. After leveling and alignment, a pilot drill was used and titanium miniscrews1.2-1.3 mm in diameter and 8 mm length were inserted into the buccal cortical bone between the maxillary second premolars and first molars on both sides. Immediate loading of miniscrews and immediate canine retraction after extraction was performed. The canines were retracted with nitinol springs extending from the canine brackets to the mini-implant. Force magnitude was initially 75 gf and increased to 150 gf after 3 weeks. Patients were seen at 3-week intervals until retraction was considered complete. Stability, gingival index around miniscrews, and patient comfort were rated. Retraction distance evaluated by measurin