Evaluation of The Effect of Self- Ligating Bracket and Conventional Bracket Systems on The Arch Width And Buccal Corridor Changes (Clinical Comparative Study)

Aim: To evaluate the effect of self-ligating and conventional bracket systems on buccal corridor widths and areas Subjects and Methods : 20 participants were recruited for each bracket system. Pretreatment and post treatment frontal photographs were transferred to Photoshop CC, standardized using inter-canthal width and linear and area measurements were performed with tools in Photoshop CC. Ratios was then calculated for statistical analysis. Relationships between arch widths and buccal corridors were also examined. Results: There were no significant differences in the posttreatment intercanine or intermolar widths either within or between the CG and SL groups. There were no significant differences in any buccal corridor width or area measurement either within or between the CG and SL groups. There were strong correlations with the intercanine width and the corresponding buccal corridor smile width measurements. There was an inverse correlation with the buccal corridor area in relation to the canine and the total smile width. Conclusion: It is likely that posttreatment increases in arch width can be seen in patients treated with either a conventional bracket system or the self-ligating system. It is highly unlikely that there is any significant difference in buccal corridor width or area in patients treated with the self-ligating system or a conventional bracket system.