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The leveling effectiveness of self-ligating and conventional brackets for complex tooth malalignments
Magali Fansa1, Ludger Keilig, Susanne Reimann
1Endowed Professorship for Oral-medical Technology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn, Germany.
Summary
Bracket selection has a negligible impact on orthodontic leveling effectiveness. Both self-ligating and conventional brackets performed similarly in correcting malalignments, with wire properties being more influential than ligation methods.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Mechanics
Background:
- Force and moment transfer between brackets and archwires is critical in orthodontic treatment.
- Advancements in bracket design and ligation aim to enhance force/moment transfer and leveling efficiency.
- Complex tooth malalignments present a significant challenge in achieving optimal treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of different self-ligating and conventional bracket systems on leveling effectiveness.
- To compare the biomechanical performance of various bracket systems and ligation methods in correcting malocclusions.
- To determine whether bracket system or ligation method significantly impacts the correction of infraocclusion and vestibular displacement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS) to evaluate ten bracket systems (nine self-ligating, one conventional).
- Tested various archwires including multistranded steel and nickel-titanium wires of different diameters and configurations.
- Simulated the leveling of a complex malalignment involving infraocclusion and vestibular displacement of tooth 21.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in leveling effectiveness were observed among the ten tested bracket systems.
- Both self-ligating and conventional brackets demonstrated similar performance, correcting approximately 80% of infraocclusions.
- Vestibular displacement was corrected by all systems, with torque development contributing to overcorrection in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Bracket selection has a negligible effect on leveling effectiveness in correcting complex malalignments.
- Self-ligating brackets offer advantages in handling and patient comfort but are not biomechanically superior to conventional brackets.
- Archwire material and diameter significantly influence forces during leveling, more so than the ligation method.
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