Objective To compare the orthodontic effects between micro-implant anchorage and traditional anchorage techniques. Methods A total of 64 patients who received orthodontic treatment in the Department of Stomatology, the First Hospital of Changsha from May 2021 to May 2025 were selected. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the reference group and the study group, with 32 patients in each group. The reference group received traditional anchorage technique, and the study group received micro-implant anchorage technique. The aesthetics, masticatory efficiency, X-ray measurement indicators and adverse reaction rate were compared between the two groups. Results After treatment, the aesthetic score of the two groups was higher than that before treatment, and that in the study group was higher than that in the reference group (P<0.05). After treatment, the masticatory wavelength, masticatory efffciency and occlusal force of the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and those in the study group were higher than those in the reference group (P<0.05). After treatment, the sella-nasion-A point angle and molar displacement of the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and those in the study group were lower than those in the reference group (P<0.05). After treatment, the inclination angle of maxillary central incisor and inter-canine width of the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and those in the study group were higher than those in the reference group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group (3.13%) was lower than that in the reference group (21.88%) (P<0.05). Conclusion The effect of micro-implant anchorage technique in orthodontic treatment is better than that of traditional anchorage technique. It can effectively improve masticatory function and dental aesthetics, promote the recovery of oral radiographic indicators, and reduce the risk of adverse reactions, which is worthy of clinical application.