title: Mandibular arch orthodontic treatment stability using passive self-ligating and conventional systems in adults: A randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the stability of mandibular arch orthodontic treatment outcomes between passive self-ligating and conventional systems during 6 months of retention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fortyseven orthodontic patients with mild to moderate crowding malocclusions not requiring extraction were recruited based on inclusion criteria. Patients (mean age 21.58 ± 2.94 years) were randomized into two groups to receive either passive self-ligating (Damon® 3MX, n = 23) or conventional system (Gemini MBT, n = 24) orthodontic treatment. Direct measurements of the final sample comprising 20 study models per group were performed using a digital caliper at the debonding stage, and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after debonding. Pairedt-test, independentt-test, and non-parametric test were used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant increase (p< 0.01) in incisor irregularity was observed in both self-ligating and conventional system groups. A significant reduction (p< 0.01) in second interpremolar width was observed in both groups. Mandibular arch length decreased significantly (p= 0.001) in the conventional system group but not in the self-ligating system group. A similar pattern of stability was observed for intercanine width, first interpremolar width, intermolar width, and arch depth throughout the 6-month retention period after debonding. Comparison of incisor irregularity and arch dimension changes between self-ligating system and conventional system groups during the 6 months were non-significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The stability of treatment outcomes for mild to moderate crowding malocclusions was similar between the self-ligating system and conventional system during the first 6 months of retention.
authors.affiliation: Orthodontics Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Norma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ab Rahman
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and Clinical Craniofacial Dentistry Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mang Chek
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wey
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and Clinical Craniofacial Dentistry Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Siti Adibah
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Othman
keywords: Conventional system; Malocclusions; Self-ligating system; Stability