A Review of the Infinitas Mini Implant Course
On the 27th January 2017, the Orthodontic department at the Royal London Hospital hosted the annual Infinitas Mini-Implant 1 day course presented by Dr. Richard Cousley & DB Orthodontics. A total of 13 delegates attended with a wide range of experiences in clinical Orthodontics (Eg. 1st Year StR’s, Specialists and Consultants).
The day was split integrating theoretical knowledge and practical sessions on typodonts. The morning began with an introduction on mini-implants and explaining their benefits and clinical usage in the form of lectures and a well presented video of Dr Cousley performing the procedure. For those of us who have never seen mini-implants being inserted, this was a useful visual for us prior to the practical sessions. The lectures were in-depth and covered a broad based range of topics to do with implants including:
- Maximising mini-implant success
- Appropriate planning and insertion techniques
- Incisor retraction
- Molar Protraction & Distalisation
- Molar intrusion and Anterior open bite treatments
- Orthognathic Surgery
The series of lectures were well delivered and supplemented with a variety of clinical cases that were successfully treated using mini-implants. Speaking to the other delegates, they enjoyed interaction they had with the speaker who posed thought provoking questions and challenged us to treatment plan his cases before presenting the patient’s journey and final result.
From my experience of this session, it highlighted to me how technique sensitive the procedure can be and demonstrated the importance of using stents to guide the mini-implant into a safe and predictable position
The clinical session allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the Infinitas mini-implant system instruments and practice our clinical technique. We were encouraged to insert implants on bone blocks of different density to appreciate placement difficulty in the mandible and maxilla. Typodonts were also provided and delegates were asked to insert mini implants free handed and then using a stent on the other side of the mouth. From my experience of this session, it highlighted to me how technique sensitive the procedure can be and demonstrated the importance of using stents to guide the mini-implant into a safe and predictable position. Additionally, having Dr Cousley assess all typodonts and speak to everyone individually proved to be beneficial.
It is obvious the Infinitas implant system is simple to use and has unique selling points such as obtaining clinical advice for reassurance and production of a stent for correct insertion.
I believe this course was invaluable to all clinicians who are currently training or those who have qualified and considering incorporating mini-implants into their clinical practice.
I believe this course was invaluable to all clinicians who are currently training or those who have qualified and considering incorporating mini-implants into their clinical practice. As a 1st year StR, I feel early exposure learning about mini-implants is important as they can be utilised in challenging scenarios. With the course coming with a copy of Dr Cousley’s book, ‘The Orthodontics Mini-Implant Clinical Handbook,’ my personal aim during my clinical training is to not only treat a whole range of malocclusions but to be confident in deciding whether patients will benefit from mini-implants as well as confidently placing them.
Orthodontics is a field that is advancing, and I am fortunate to be working alongside forward thinking and conscientious individuals who are all motivated to use up to date techniques that help to deliver excellent results for patients. The Infinitas mini-implant course is an excellent example of a forward driven Orthodontic course.