Prospective clinical study of transverse development with orthodontics with self-ligating brackets

Orthodontics with low friction, low force, passive self-ligating brackets produces alveolar-dental remodeling, resulting in an increase in the transverse diameter of the dental arches, especially in the premolar sector. The aim of this study was to compare the modifications of the transverse diameter in the pre- and post-dental alignment cast models with orthodontics with passive self-ligating brackets in patients with moderate to severe dental discrepancy. The study included 28 patients of both sexes aged 16 to 48 years with dental discrepancies between -6 and -16 mm, treated with self-ligating Damon brackets and thermally activated Nickel- Titanium-Copper arches. With a digital pachymeter, Mitutoyo brand, five measurements were taken per dental arch: distance between canines (C), first premolars (1PM), second premolars (2 PM), first molars (1M) and second molars (2M), before and after orthodontic alignment. The variations were statistically evaluated by Student T Test for paired samples. Average distance between teeth varied with dental alignment in both jaws. The greatest increases in transverse diameter were recorded in the premolar areas. Minor though statistically significant variations also occurred in the 2M of the maxilla and in the C of the mandible In alignment with passive self-ligating brackets, there is an increase in the transverse diameter due to the development of the dental arches, mainly in the premolar sector of both jaws and also at the level of the canines in the mandible.