## 4 Discussion
This reduction necessitated the use of smaller TADs to ensure secure and effective placement. Our findings revealed that both interdertal width (IDW) and CP-IPP distances tend to increase with age, most notably in the deeper measurement levels (C and D). Although patients with periodontal disease were excluded from this study, these age-related changes may result from the gradual remodeling and leveling of the alveolar ridge, a process that naturally occurs over time [48,49]. This anatomical shift should be taken into account when relying on coronal dental landmarks to guide the determination of the ideal insertion point for mini-implants. Analysis of interdertal width (IDW) revealed that the highest mean IDW was found in region 1 at level A (4.02 mm), followed by level B in the same region (3.45 mm), while the lowest was in region 2\({}^{\prime}\) level D (1.72 mm), as shown in Figure 8. These observations align with the findings from different studies [50], including those by [PERSON] et al., which highlighted mesiodistal spaces exceeding 3 mm at the 8 mm level in the anterior maxilla [51]. In contrast, [PERSON] et al. reported the largest IDW values between the central and lateral incisor at the 6 mm level from the alveolar crest. The results of our research did not demonstrate a sufficient amount of IDW at any of the measured levels in these regions (2 and 2\({}^{\prime}\)). Accordingly, region 1, 3, and 3\({}^{\prime}\) showed satisfactory IDW values at levels A and B (over 50% of patients) (Table 4), suggesting that the safest zones regarding sufficient interdertal space were between the central incisors and between lateral incisors and canines. Conversely, regions between central and lateral incisors demanded more detailed assessments to avoid complications due to limited bone dimensions. This study also assessed buccalatal depth (BPD) across all levels (A, B, C, and D), as shown in Figure 9. The literature suggests that commonly used TAD lengths range from 6 to 12 mm with diameters of 1-2 mm [19]. In the levels with sufficient IDW (A and B), the BPD ranges from 7 to 8 mm; the highest value is observed in region 2, level A (8.07 mm), while the lowest is in region 1, level B (7.26 mm). This information is clinically important, as smaller morphometric values of the BPD require shorter TADs of approximately 6-8 mm. Similar conclusions were reported by [PERSON] et al., emphasizing safe zones in terms of the BPD between the lateral incisors and canines [19]. An additional anatomical limitation that must be considered for MI placement in region 1 is the NPC. Based on our findings, the TAD diameter placed between the central incisors should not exceed 7 mm in length. This is consistent with the observations of [PERSON] and coworkers, who reported a similar bone volume between the buccal cortex and the buccal wall of the nasopalatine canal [52]. Nonetheless, this region necessitates a thorough CBCT evaluation during the planning of an MI placement. As the IDW values indicate that the interdertal placement of MI in the anterior maxilla is safer at more apical levels, another anatomical characteristic that needs to be considered is the soft tissue. The attached gingiva is usually positioned up to 5 mm apical from the alveolar bone crest, which represents the optimal region for MI insertion [19]. In the anterior maxilla, TAD placement is planned near the mucogingival junction (5 mm from the alveolar crest and above), which may lead to the elevated risks of reduced stability, MI loss, and chronic soft tissue inflammation [12,53]. Solutions such as modified screw heads [54], variations in thread design [55], or adjustments to the insertion angle may provide additional stability [56]. The final section of this study included three reference points located on dental structures (midpoint of incisal edge, cusp tips, and contact points). These dental landmarks, when connected to the previously identified IPP, give linear measurements which may contribute to better intraoral orientation and easier and safer MI placement.