ANCHORAGE

Anchorage in orthodontics is a super interesting topic.

In orthodontics, maintaining proper anchorage is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. When
teeth are moved, there is a natural tendency for neighbouring teeth to shift as well. This is where
anchorage comes into play, acting as a counterforce to prevent unwanted movements. Anchorage
refers to the methods and techniques used to prevent unwanted movement of teeth during
orthodontic treatment. Think of it as creating a stable foundation to ensure that the teeth being
moved stay in place while the desired movements are happening.

Imagine you're building a tall tower of blocks. You want to add more blocks on top, but you also want
to make sure the bottom blocks stay in place. Anchorage in orthodontics works similarly. It helps
maintain stability and control during the treatment process.

There are two types of anchorage in orthodontics: dental anchorage and skeletal anchorage. Dental
anchorage relies on the resistance of other teeth to prevent movement, while skeletal anchorage
uses mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to provide stability. The teeth which act
as anchors can be called “Anchorage Superheroes”

Dental anchorage is like having a team of teeth working together to keep everything in line. For
example, if you're trying to move a tooth backward, you might use the adjacent teeth as anchors to
prevent them from moving forward. It's like teamwork! Dental anchorage relies on the principle of
reciprocal action. It means that while some teeth are being moved, others are used as anchors to
resist the forces and keep everything in place. This can be achieved using various techniques such as
using braces, wires, or even rubber bands to connect teeth and create a stable framework.

On the other hand, skeletal anchorage is like having a superhero sidekick to provide extra support.
Mini-implants or TADs can be called “anchorage boosters “are small screws that are temporarily
placed in the bone to act as anchors. It's like having a strong foundation to rely on! They can be
strategically positioned to control the movement of individual teeth or even entire groups of teeth.
Skeletal anchorage has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by allowing more precise control and
reducing the reliance on neighbouring teeth for anchorage.

Another interesting aspect of anchorage in orthodontics is the concept of "absolute anchorage." This
refers to the ability to achieve tooth movement without any unwanted reciprocal effects on other
teeth. Absolute anchorage can be achieved through various methods, including the use of skeletal
anchorage devices, temporary anchorage devices, or even the use of certain orthodontic appliances.
So, in a nutshell, anchorage in orthodontics is all about maintaining stability and control during
treatment. Whether it's utilizing the teamwork of neighbouring teeth or the added support of
skeletal anchorage, it ensures that the desired tooth movements happen while minimizing unwanted
side effects. it's like building a solid foundation to achieve the desired tooth movements.