Infinitas Mini-Implants are an Essential in Every Orthodontist’s Toolkit: Course Review by Laura Ewbank.
In her Infinitas Mini-implants course review, orthodontic registrar Laura Ewbank spills the details of what to expect on the day, the benefits of using Infinitas Mini-implants and why she recommends the course.
What are mini-implants?
Mini-implants are temporary bone screws that can be inserted using a small amount of local anaesthetic in multiple sites intra-orally to provide 3D anchorage. They are made of a titanium alloy and consist of three parts; the head, neck, and body. These components allow for simple insertion of the mini-implant through mucosa and into bone as well as providing a platform to connect orthodontic appliances and traction.
They are mechanically retained and do not osseointegrate, meaning that they can be loaded immediately. Current literature is showing not only a wide range of clinical applications related to mini-implants but also better patient compliance and tolerance when compared to other more classic methods of orthodontic anchorage. With all of this in mind, I attended the Infinitas mini-implant course to broaden my knowledge of mini-implants.
Infinitas mini-implant placed in the buccal area. Image courtesy of Antonino G. Secchi.
What did the course involve?
Delegates ranging from orthodontic registrars to consultants attended the mini-implants course run by Dr. Richard Cousley and DB Orthodontics. It took place over one day in Salford hospital and involved a mixture of lectures and practical sessions.
Each delegate was provided with Dr. Cousley’s textbook ‘The Orthodontic Mini-implant Clinical Handbook’, as well as a memory stick containing each lecture and any references mentioned. The day comprised a set of informative lectures, along with practical sessions where the participants were able to put into action what was being taught.
The topics covered by the lectures included:
- Mini-implant principles and the Infinitas system
- Mini-implant insertion and biomechanics
- Molar intrusion
- Palatal appliances including molar distalisation and RME techniques
For the practical sessions, delegates were each provided with a typodont and a mini-implant kit. Using the kit they were first able to practice mini-implant insertion, free-hand, into blocks made to resemble the bone of the maxilla and the mandible. Following this, they placed the mini-implants both freehand and
with a handpiece. Dr. Cousley also provided each participant with a stent to show the difference between placing the mini-implants freehand and then with the stent.
What was the most valuable aspect of the course?
The opportunity to use the Infinitas kit with a typodont was invaluable. Dr. Cousley was available for immediate feedback on the placement and provided additional and helpful clinical tips. The use of typodonts allowed the delegates to critique and reflect on their placement, which was something Dr. Cousley actively encouraged. The delegates were also able to keep the typodonts as a souvenir from the day.
Infinitas mini-implant placed in the palate. Image courtesy of Antonino G. Secchi.
Would you recommend the course?
I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone looking for an introduction or a refresher to the use of mini-implants. Dr. Cousley was approachable and knowledgeable and made the day interesting and interactive for everyone involved. The DB team were also on hand to explain the various products available and had some excellent offers for anyone looking to
purchase the Infinitas system that day.
Will you be using mini-implants in the future?
With increasing evidence on their usefulness, I am confident that mini-implants will become more commonly seen in mainstream orthodontics. Following this course, I feel far more confident in both planning and placing mini-implants and I am sure it won’t be too long before I place my next one!
About Laura Ewbank
Laura Ewbank is a second-year orthodontic registrar at Manchester University Dental Hospital & Salford Hospital. She graduated in 2015 from Leeds University and went on to complete her VT training in London. Following this, she returned to Yorkshire where she carried out one-year of OMFS training at Pinderfields’ hospital and one-year of restorative dentistry in Leeds Dental Institute, before crossing the Pennines and beginning her orthodontic training in Manchester.
Book your place today. Limited places are available!
Future course dates:
- London. Eastman Dental Institute. 15th January 2020
- Cardiff. 14th February 2020