Method: This prospective study consisted of a sample of 19 patients of both genders, with Angle Class I and II malocclusions, and mild to severe dental crowding (greater or equal to 2 mm), divided into two groups: Group I (n= 10) ─ patients treated with an EasyClip (Aditek) self-ligating bracket appliance, and Group II (n=9) ─ patients treated with a conventional bracket appliance (3M- Unitek), and using metallic ligatures for arch fixation. Plaster models were made at the start (T1), after 180 days (T2), and while using the 0.019” x 0.025” steel arch (T3). The degree of crowding was measured by means of the Little and Fleming’s irregularity index, with a modified–tipped digital caliper of the Mitutoyo brand. Student’s t test was used to compare the efficiency of inferior alignment between the two groups.
Result: The results showed that in the initial alignment phase (after 180 days), no statistically significant difference was found between groups I and II; On the other hand, from phase T1 to T3, we observed a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the correction of inferior crowding, but this difference was clinically not significant.
Conclusion: Both systems used were deemed efficient to correct this kind of malocclusion.