Clinical comparison of active self-ligating brackets and traditional straight wire brackets

Objective To compare the degree of tolerance,the periodontal health and the failure of brackets bonded between patients with self-ligating brackets and conventional straight wire brackets.Methods A total of 30 patients accepting orthodontic treatment in our department during 2006 to 2008,aging 12～16 years,including 15 patients bonded with self-ligating brackets and 15 patients bonded with conventional brackets.They were surveyed with questionnaire to record the degree of discomfort within the first 7 days after archwire placement.The gingival index(GI),sulcus bleeding index(SBI),and plaque index(PLI) of mandibular incisor were recorded respectively at 1 month,3 months and 6 months.The times of rebonding were recorded within 1 year after first bonding.Results There was no significant difference in tolerance between the two groups of patients with self-ligating brackets and conventional straight wire brackets within 7 days after initial alignment(P0.05).The periodontal index and the rate of rebonding were significantly lower in the group of self-ligating brackets.Conclusion There is no difference between conventional brackets and self-ligating brackets in the degree of discomfort.But self-ligating brackets have the advantage of keeping periodontal health and decreasing the rate of rebonding.