Leveling with continuous archwires and its effect on mandibular arch length in extraction and non-extraction cases

ABSTRACT

To compare the mandibular arch length changes during leveling of curve of Spee in extraction and non-extraction cases. Study Design: Quasi-experimental, interventional. Setting: Orthodontic department, Karachi Medical and Dental College Subjects: Forty cases were divided into extraction and non-extraction group. Depth of curve of Spee and arch length were measured on 40 pretreatment and post-treatment plaster models with the help of sharpened Boley gauge. The arch length proved to be significantly different [P<.022] between extraction and non-extraction cases. During leveling of curve of Spee the mandibular arch length in nonextraction cases significantly increased than in extraction cases