Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the long-term stability of treatment with self-ligating brackets compared with conventional brackets.Materials and methodsThe long-term follow-up retrospective study sample consisted of two groups of patients: group SL (including passive and interactive self ligating braces) comprised 30 subjects treated with self-ligating brackets at a mean pretreatment (T0) age of 13.56 years, with a mean follow up period for 7.24 years; group CL comprised 30 subjects treated with conventional brackets at a mean pretreatment age of 13.48 years, with a mean follow up period for 7.68 years. Relapse were evaluated by dental casts examination using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and the Little irregularity index. The two groups were evaluated for differences in the changing of PAR and Little irregularity index using paired-t tests. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability was assessed by means of the Pearson’s correlation coefficients method.ResultsThere were no significant differences changed in PAR and the Little irregularity index between groups for the long-term follow-up period.ConclusionsThe study revealed that brackets type did not affect the long-term stability. Considering self-ligating brackets were expensive, given comprehensive consideration for the patients to choose suitable orthodontic bracket type was of critical importance.
Highlights
The stability of aligned teeth is variable and unpredictable [1]
There were no significant differences changed in Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Little irregularity index between groups for the long-term follow-up period
The study revealed that brackets type did not affect the long-term stability
Summary
The maintenance of dental alignment after orthodontic treatment is considered to be a challenge for the orthodontics. Follow-up studies of treated cases have shown that improvement in the dentition can obviously be achieved, there is a tendency of relapse many years after treatment [2,3]. Self-ligation bracket is not a new concept. This brace system has undergone a renaissance over the past 20 years with enhanced ingenuity and reliability [10]. Active self-ligating brackets have a spring clip which press against the arch-wire for better control of rotation and torque. Passive selfligating brackets usually have a slide that press no active force on the arch-wire
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
