Maxillary incisor torque with conventional and self-ligating brackets: a prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that the engagement mode of wire to bracket affects the buccolingual inclination of maxillary incisors in extraction and non-extraction treatment with self-ligating and conventional brackets.

DESIGN

A randomized clinical trial employing a random distribution of variables among the studied populations.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Private practice of one author. A total of 105 patients followed prospectively, were divided into two groups based on the inclusion of extraction in the treatment planning. These groups were further divided in two subgroups each, one receiving a self-ligating bracket and the other treated with a conventional Edgewise appliance of the same slot size and prescription.

EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE

Difference in the buccolingual inclination of maxillary incisors before and after treatment with the two appliances across the two treatment groups (extraction and non-extraction).

OUTCOME MEASURE

Angular measurements of the Sella-Nasion and Nasion-A point to maxillary incisor axis.

RESULTS

No difference was found in the mean difference of the two angles measured for the two bracket groups studied.

CONCLUSION

Self-ligating brackets seem to be equally efficient in delivering torque to maxillary incisors relative to conventional brackets in extraction and non-extraction cases.