External apical root resorption in patients treated with conventional and self-ligating brackets

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Biomaterials
• Periodontology

Background:

• External apical root resorption (EARR) is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment.
• The choice of bracket system may influence the incidence and severity of EARR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the amount of EARR in maxillary incisors between patients treated with conventional brackets and passive self-ligating brackets.
• To identify factors influencing EARR, including appliance type, age, sex, extraction treatment, and treatment duration.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 96 patients was selected based on specific inclusion criteria, excluding those with pre-existing root resorption or contributing factors.
• Patients were treated with either conventional edgewise or passive self-ligating bracket systems (0.022-in slot).
• EARR was measured in millimeters on panoramic radiographs taken before and after treatment, with corrections for radiographic distortion.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in EARR was observed between the conventional and passive self-ligating bracket groups.
• Age, sex, and extraction treatment were not found to be significant predictors of EARR.
• A positive correlation was identified between the duration of orthodontic treatment and the amount of EARR.

Conclusions:

• Conventional and passive self-ligating brackets are comparable in terms of causing external apical root resorption.
• Orthodontic treatment duration is a relevant factor associated with increased EARR.
• Clinicians should consider treatment duration when assessing the risk of root resorption.