An Evaluation of Efficiency and Effectiveness of Self-ligating Bracket Systems: A Prospective Clinical Study

Abstract

Objectives: Self-ligating brackets are becoming more common in the marketplace with many manufacturers offering one form or another. A number of studies have evaluated the frictional characteristics of different self-ligating brackets but there have been only few studies which have actually evaluated their clinical efficiency. The present study was done to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of three contemporary selfligating bracket systems (Smart Clip, Damon 2, In-Ovation). Materials and methods: This was a prospective in vivo study in which a total of 18 patients were randomly divided into three groups treated with Smart Clip, Damon 2 and In-Ovation bracket systems. The total treatment time and the number of appointments required to complete the treatment were recorded. As a measure of quality of treatment, the ABO scores were measured at the end of treatment from the post-treatment dental casts and OPG. Results: The average time taken for the completion of treatment in Smart Clip, Damon 2, and In-Ovation group was 14.0 ± 2.6, 15.3 ± 3.2 and 17.2 ± 3.2 months respectively. The total number of appointments required for the completion of treatment in Smart Clip, Damon 2, and InOvation group were 16.0 ± 2.5, 16.8 ± 3.3 and 19.8 ± 2.6 respectively. The mean ABO score in Smart Clip, Damon 2, and In-Ovation group were 26.2 ± 1.0, 27.5 ± 2.3 and 27.0 ± 1.3 respectively. Interpretation and conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment time, number of appointments and quality of treatment outcome between the three bracket systems.