Torque expression in self-ligating orthodontic brackets and conventionally ligated brackets: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the torque expression of self ligating (SL) orthodontic brackets and conventionally ligated brackets and the torque expression in active and passive SL brackets.


METHODS
Our systematic search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Scopus, and key journals and review articles; the date of the last search was April 4th 2016. We graded the methodological quality of the studies by means of the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, developed for the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP).


RESULTS
In total, 87 studies were identified for screening, and 9 studies were eligible. The quality assessment rated one of the study as being of strong quality, 7 (77.78%) of these studies as being of moderate quality. Three out of 7 studies which compared SL and conventionally ligated brackets showed, conventionally ligated brackets with highest torque expression compared to SL brackets. Badawi showed active SL brackets with highest torque expression compared to passive SL brackets. Major and Brauchli showed no significant differences in torque expression of active and passive SL brackets.


CONCLUSIONS
Conventionally ligated brackets presented with highest torque expression compared to SL brackets. Minor difference was recorded in a torque expression of active and passive SL brackets.Key words:Systematic review, self ligation, torque expression, conventional ligation.
MDS, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, Taif University, Taif, KSA.
Yousef
Y
Al-Thomali
MDS, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, KSA.
Roshan-Noor
RN
Mohamed
MDS, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, KSA.
Sakeenabi
S
Basha