Dentoalveolar mandibular changes with self-ligating versus conventional bracket systems: A CBCT and dental cast study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Biomaterials
• Craniofacial Anatomy

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment aims to correct dental and skeletal discrepancies.
• The choice of bracket system may influence dentoalveolar and bone changes.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare dentoalveolar changes in the mandibular arch between self-ligating brackets (SLB) and conventional brackets (CLB).
• To evaluate transversal measures and buccal bone thickness in the initial phase of orthodontic treatment.

Main Methods:

• 25 patients were divided into SLB (n=13) and CLB (n=12) groups.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D software assessed transversal width of buccal bone (TWBB) and buccal bone thickness (BBT).
• Measurements were taken before (T1) and 7 months after treatment onset (T2).

Main Results:

• Both SLB and CLB groups showed significant mandibular expansion.
• A significant decrease in mandibular buccal bone thickness and transversal width was observed in both groups.
• No significant correlation was found between buccal bone thickness and dental arch expansion.

Conclusions:

• Self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets yield comparable results in mandibular arch expansion.
• Neither bracket system demonstrated a significant difference in changes to buccal bone thickness or transversal width.
• Treatment outcomes related to mandibular bone dimensions are similar regardless of bracket type.