Objective To explore the effect of mini-implant anchorage on tooth movement and profile improvement in orthodontics treatment of adult maxillary protrusion. Methods A total of 60 adult patients with maxillary protrusion admitted to Shenzhen Guhao Dental Clinic from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected, and they were divided into the control group (n=30) and the study group (n=30) by the random number table method. The control group was treated with traditional strong anchorage of extraoral arch combined with Nance arch, and the study group was treated with mini-implant anchorage. The tooth movement indicators, measurement index of lateral cephalogram, profile improvement effect and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The mesial displacement of the maxillary ffrst molar in the study group was less than that in the control group, and the retraction amount of the maxillary central incisors was greater than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the SNA angle and the distance from labrale superius to E-line in the study group were lower than those in the control group, and the nasolabial angle was larger than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in ANB angle and U1-SN angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The excellent and good rate of proffle improvement in the study group (93.33%) was higher than that in the control group (73.33%) (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the study group (6.67%) was lower than that in the control group (30.00%) (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of mini-implant anchorage in orthodontics treatment of adult maxillary protrusion can more effectively achieve overall retraction of anterior teeth and strictly restrict mesial movement of posterior teeth, thereby improving the facial proffle of patients. Moreover, the incidence of complications after treatment is low, and the safety is high.