NT versus SS Springs: RCT of Two Methods of Space Closure

Objective:  To compare the clinical performance of Nickel Titanium (NiTi) versus stainless steel (SS) springs during orthodontic space closure. Method: This is a two-centre parallel group randomized clinical trial. Forty Orthodontic patients requiring fixed appliance treatment were enrolled from Orthodontic Department University of Manchester Dental Hospital and Orthodontic Department Countess of Chester Hospital, United Kingdom. Each patient was randomly allocated into either NiTi (n=19) or SS groups (n=21). Study models were constructed at the start of the space closure phase (T₀) and following the completion of space closure (T©û). The rate of space closure achieved for each patient was calculated by taking an average measurement from the tip of the canine to the mesiobuccal groove on the first permanent molar of each quadrant. Result:  The study was terminated early due to time constraints.  Only 30 patients completed, 15 in each study group.  There was no statistically significant difference between the amounts of space closed (mean difference 0.17 mm (95%CI -0.99 to 1.34; P=0.76)).  The mean rate of space closure for NiTi coil springs was 0.58mm/month (SD 0.24) and 0.85mm/month (SD 0.36) for the stainless steel springs. There was a statistically significantly difference between the two groups (P=0.024), in favour of the stainless steel springs, when the mean values per patient were compared. Conclusion: Our study shows stainless steel springs are clinically effective; these springs produce as much space closure as their more expensive rivals, the NiTi springs.