comparative study on conventional ligation and self ligation bracket systems

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the comparison between conventional ligation and self-ligation bracket system. Methodology: Seven hundred and sixty two patients, consecutively treated with fixed appliances, were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were treated by one orthodontist in a private orthodontic practice. Three hundred and eighty three patients were treated using a conventional pre-adjusted bracket system and 379 patients were treated with active self-ligating brackets. The total treatment time, number of appointments, appointment intervals, number of bracket breakages and number of unscheduled emergency appointments were recorded. Pretreatment characteristics identified by the ICON were related to these variables. Results: The average treatment duration was 15.7 months (Range: 4.1–40.5 months; SD: 5.6 months). Comparable amounts of time were spent in rectangular and round archwires by both appliances. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the durations of treatment with active self-ligating brackets and conventional pre-adjusted brackets. The number of debonded brackets and other emergency visits was significantly higher in patients treated with active self-ligating brackets. The treatment characteristics associated with prolonged treatment were: extraction of teeth, a Class II molar relationship and the degree of maxillary crowding or spacing.