Demonstrating the benefit of self-ligating brackets in the management of severe dental crowding on a non–extraction basis

Abstract

Abstract: There is a growing amount of literature describing the benefits of self-ligating brackets; one such benefit is their low friction properties. A clinical case is described in which dental extractions were avoided to alleviate severe crowding and the conclusion is drawn that this may, in part, have been due to the decreased friction in the orthodontic appliance afforded by the use of self-ligating brackets. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article discusses the benefits of self-ligating brackets and describes a clinical case in which, potentially, the low friction properties of self-ligating brackets helped avoid dental extractions.