No abstract

The lack of significant overall effects apparent in this meta-analysis contradicts evidence-based statements on the advantages of self-ligating brackets over conventional ones regarding discomfort during initial orthodontic therapy, number of appointments, and total treatment time. Due to the limited number of studies included, further randomized controlled clinical trials are required to deliver more data and to substantiate evidence-based conclusions on differences between the two bracket types considering orthodontic pain, number of visits, treatment, and ligation times.

No abstract

Objective: To investigate patient discomfort during archwire engagement and disengagement in patients treated with self-ligating and conventional brackets using a split-mouth design. Materials and Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients (15 female, 3 male; age: 22.2 6 6.4 years) who requested treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances were randomly assigned for bonding with SmartClip self-ligating brackets on one side of the dentition and conventional standard edgewise brackets on the other. During the course of treatment, patients rated the discomfort experienced during every archwire engagement and disengagement using a numeric rating scale. Results were evaluated for round and rectangular nickel titanium and rectangular stainless steel, titanium molybdenum, and Elgiloy archwires. Patients also rated their overall experience retrospectively for both bracket systems. Results: Regardless of archwire type, disengagement was rated as being significantly more painful on the SmartClip side (P 5 .027). For rigid, rectangular archwires, engagement and disengagement were rated as being significantly more painful on the SmartClip side (P 5 .031; P 5 .004). Retrospective ratings favored conventional brackets beyond ratings recorded during treatment. Conclusion: Engagement and disengagement of rigid rectangular archwires caused more pain with SmartClip self-ligating brackets than with conventional ones. Careful archwire manipulation and patience during full alignment are essential for limiting chairside pain. Low pain levels will help ensure treatment satisfaction and compliance. (Angle Orthod. 2013;83:292-297.)

Treatment often entails the surgical removal of the canine-especially in cases of transmigration. The findings emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and CT/CBCT imaging for further diagnostics and future research of impacted mandibular canines.