Graduated from Faculty of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Japan (D.D.S.)
Received PhD from Graduate School of Dentistry, Tsurumi University, Japan
Maintains a private clinic, Jingumae Orthodontics, in Tokyo, Japan
Diplomate of Japanese Orthodontic Board
Member of Japanese Orthodontic Society, Japanese Society of Oral Implantology, Japanese Cleft Palate Association, Japanese Society of Jaw Deformities, European Orthodontic Society, American Association of Orthodontists and WFO.
“Space Station" Palatal Implant: Astronauts Brighten Your Stars
Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have become a popular form of treatment for a wide variety of adult malocclusions. Miniscrews are often used since they are relatively uninvasive during placement and removal. They also have the added benefit of providing stable anchorage for tooth movements including intrusion, protraction, and retraction, despite their short length and small diameter.
However, inserting miniscrews into the interradicular space causes two major problems; the miniscrew can damage the roots, and tooth movement is limited. A new palatal implant (i-station) has been developed to overcome these limitations.
The midpalate boasts sufficient bone volume and density, thin attached gingiva, relatively easy placement, and the absence of vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The upper unit of the i-station is unique in that it can be easily replaced to perform different functions.
Due to the interchangeable upper units, i-station can produce every force system including distalization, mesialization, expansion, constriction, intrusion, and extrusion. The i-station expands the range of orthodontic treatment and allows difficult cases to be treated using only orthodontics.
This presentation explains the key concepts and features of the i-station, as well as the implementation of different force systems.