Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The study had two objectives: (1) to measure the maximum loading capacity of a new skeletal orthodontic anchorage, designated the "bone-bonding anchorage," and (2) to study its histological basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 bone-bonding anchorages were fixed onto the surface of the tibia of 12 big-ear white rabbits with N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate. The 12 animals were divided into groups designated as the immediate, 2-week, 4-week, and 8-week after-surgery groups. The maximum loading capacity of each group was measured, and histological changes were observed. RESULTS: The results indicate a tendency toward an initial decrease and then an increase in the maximum loading capacity of the bone-bonding anchorage. The mean value of the 8-week group reached 45.69 N, which can satisfy orthodontic clinical needs. Histologically, new bone formation was found around the base of the bone-bonding anchorage, which wrapped the base until it was bone-buried, creating the histological basis of the maximum loading capacity. In the experiment, the total failure rate of the bone-bonding anchorage was 13.6%, and no failure occurred in the immediate and 8-week groups. CONCLUSION: The loading capacity of the bone-bonding anchorage is sufficient for orthodontic use, but whether or not it can be applied to clinical practice merits further study.