title: Dentoalveolar mandibular changes with self-ligating versus conventional bracket systems: A CBCT and dental cast study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to compare dentoalveolar changes in mandibular arch, regarding transversal measures and buccal bone thickness, in patients undergoing the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with self-ligating or conventional bracket systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 25 patients requiring orthodontic treatment was assessed based on the bracket type. Group 1 comprised 13 patients bonded with 0.022-in self-ligating brackets (SLB). Group 2 included 12 patients bonded with 0.022-in conventional brackets (CLB). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and a 3D program (Dolphin) assessed changes in transversal width of buccal bone (TWBB) and buccal bone thickness (BBT) before (T1) and 7 months after treatment onset (T2). Measurements on dental casts were performed using a digital caliper. Differences between and within groups were analyzed by Student's t-test; Pearson correlation coefficient was also calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant mandibular expansion was observed for both groups; however, no significant differences were found between groups. There was significant decrease in mandibular buccal bone thickness and transversal width of buccal bone in both groups. There was no significant correlation between buccal bone thickness and dental arch expansion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There were no significant differences between self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets systems regarding mandibular arch expansion and changes in buccal bone thickness or transversal width of buccal bone.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Norte do Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcio Rodrigues de
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.affiliation: Universidade Norte do Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Futagami
authors.affiliation: Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Cláudia de Castro Ferreira
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.affiliation: Universidade Norte do Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paula Vanessa Pedron
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Oltramari-Navarro
authors.affiliation: Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo de Lima
authors.initials: Rde L
authors.lastname: Navarro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000628:therapy; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003765:Models, Dental; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets / Q000145:classification*; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014070:Tooth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult