A GREATER TRANSVERSAL EXPANSION IN ORTHODONTIC USING SELF-LIGATING BRACKETS.

Keywords: Orthodontia. Expansion. Self–ligating brackets. Damon.        
Objective: The aim of this research is to compare the low and upper maxillary osseous response during the alignment period (first phase of treatment) as a result of the orthodontic treatment wich Damon System, and the Roth Straight Archwire Technique. Methods: Male and female patients between 12 and 48 years old belonging to the Department of Orthodontic of FOUBA who needs expansion in their arches will be studied. The sample will be distributed randomly in two groups. Group A (N= 8) will be treated using Damon System, self-ligation brackets and Cooper Nickel Titanium archwire (Cooper Ni-Ti). Group B (N=9) will be treated with the Straight Archwire Technique, Braces Synthesis Roth (system including friction) and the alignment will be done using Nickel Titanium archwire (NI-TI). Extractions will not be made until the end of the alignment. The transverse widening was evaluated in both maxillary with 8 transversal measurements recording on the pre and post patient casts, at the level of upper and low cuspids, first and second bicuspids and first molars. Results: The treatment with self-ligating brackets (group 1) shows an increase in the average expansion for both arches that was: 2,66 + 3,6 mm. and in the conventional technique  (group 2) the increase was 0,99 +1,54 mm. with difference statistically significant   ( p=0,0005). Conclusions: With self-ligation brackets and NitiCu archwire it is possible to obtain more transverse widening than with conventional brackets and NiTi arch wires.