Always based in bone?
No; teeth can provide support.
← All explanationsOrthodontic anchorage
What supports an orthodontic tooth movement?
Orthodontic anchorage means limiting unwanted movement of the supporting teeth or other supporting structures. A force moving a tooth also creates a reaction force. Planning identifies which areas should move and which should remain relatively stable.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Force and reaction
Tooth movement needs support. Force acts on both the tooth being moved and the supporting unit.
Control where movement occurs
Several teeth can support a movement together. Additional appliances or temporary anchorage devices may be considered in selected situations.
Monitor during treatment
A supporting area can still change position. Reviews assess whether movement is occurring as intended.
Read the full explanation
Force and reaction
Tooth movement needs support. Force acts on both the tooth being moved and the supporting unit.
Control where movement occurs
Several teeth can support a movement together. Additional appliances or temporary anchorage devices may be considered in selected situations.
Monitor during treatment
A supporting area can still change position. Reviews assess whether movement is occurring as intended.
Notes on the teaching images
- Fictional teaching illustration, not a patient case or treatment result.
At a glance
Always unchanged?
Support needs monitoring.
After treatment?
Retention is then often the main issue.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Anchorage and retention
Anchorage supports active forces. Retention maintains an achieved tooth position. These are different functions.
Quick answers
What is anchorage loss?
It means unwanted movement of the supporting unit. This can, for example, leave less space for the intended tooth movement.
Are mini-implants always necessary?
No. Support depends on the planned movement, space and anatomy. Mini-implants are one possible approach.
Is anchorage the same as a retainer?
No. Anchorage controls forces during active tooth movement. A retainer mainly helps maintain tooth positions after active treatment.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Which teeth should move, and how will their support be monitored?
An examination can clarify the finding and any need for referral.
Arrange an assessmentAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Reactive unit
- The structure supporting an active force.
- Skeletal anchorage
- Support from an appliance fixed to bone.
Make the distinction
Anchorage supports active forces. Retention maintains an achieved tooth position. These are different functions.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.