We have developed the Anchor-Lock external plate system, which is fitted on the palate for the purpose of orthodontic skeletal anchorage. The aim of this study was to introduce the Anchor-Lock and assess its success rate. The Anchor-Lock is composed of titanium screws of 2·0-mm diameter and a titanium plate of 1·0-mm thickness. The external plate is rigidly interlocked with the heads of the screws, which are implanted trans-mucosally into palatal bone. Three types of Anchor-Lock are available. These were applied to 137 orthodontic patients (104 females and 33 males) aged 10-54 years. Two types of plate were used, a straight-shaped plate applied to the hard palate and to the anterior palate and a double-Y-shaped plate applied after tooth-borne rapid maxillary expansion. Success rate of the Anchor-Lock was 92·0% overall. No significant difference in success rate was found by age or sex of patients. Type or screw length of the Anchor-Lock did not affect success rate significantly. Success rate was significantly increased by the use of the surgical stent. The Anchor-Lock was effectively applied to distalize and/or intrude the upper molars. The Anchor-Lock system appears suitable for clinical use as an alternative to conventional screw- and plate-type orthodontic implants.
Keywords: Skeletal anchorage; external plate; palatal implant; success rate; temporary anchorage.