What does the term 'anchorage' refer to in orthodontics?

In orthodontics, 'anchorage' primarily refers to the resistance to unwanted tooth movement during treatment. It is crucial for maintaining the position of certain teeth while other teeth are being moved. Effective anchorage allows orthodontists to direct the forces applied through braces or other appliances to achieve the desired tooth movements without inadvertently shifting the teeth that need to remain stable during treatment.

For instance, when moving a tooth into a space left by an extraction, the neighboring teeth must not shift in a way that disrupts the planned alignment. Different types of anchorage can be utilized, such as skeletal anchorage, where implants provide resistance, or intraoral anchorage, where adjacent teeth or certain appliances are used to provide the necessary stability during the tooth movement process.

The concept of anchorage is vital in planning orthodontic treatment to ensure that the force systems applied lead to effective tooth movements and desired outcomes, while minimizing potential complications from unwanted movements in adjacent or opposing teeth.