Changes in the arch width and buccal corridor after fixed orthodontic treatment with Damon self-ligating system: premolar extraction vs. non-extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Extraction vs. non-extraction is a crucial decision in orthodontic therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the dental arch width and buccal corridor after orthodontic treatment using extraction and non-extraction therapy with Damon self-ligating system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 35 patients (20 female and 15 male patients with median age of 12.5 years), treated by extracting 4 or 2 premolars, and 37 patients (16 female and 21 male patients with the median age of 12.8 years), treated without premolar extraction. Both groups were treated with Damon self-ligating system. Plaster models before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were measured, and the arch width values were determined at the level of the first molars, second premolars, canines and palatal rugae. Buccal corridor width was measured using the extraoral images at T0 and T1. Paired t-test was used for the analysis of the normally distributed data, and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test was used for the data with non-normal distribution. Values of p<0.05 were set as statistically significant. RESULTS: The upper intercanine width increased significantly in both groups (p<0.01). In the non-extraction group, the arch width increased significantly in the maxillary second premolar and first molar region (p<0.01) as well as in the region of the canines (p=0.04), second premolars (p=0.01) and first molars (p<0.01) of the mandible. The buccal corridor decreased significantly in the non-extraction group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Premolar extraction in combination with Damon self-ligating system did not lead to reduction of the dental arch width in the maxilla, nor did it increase the size of the buccal corridors.

Changes in the arch width and buccal corridor after fixed orthodontic treatment with Damon self-ligating system: premolar extraction vs. non-extraction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Extraction vs. non-extraction is a crucial decision in orthodontic therapy. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the dental arch width and buccal corridor after orthodontic treatment using extraction and non-extraction therapy with Damon self-ligating system. Material and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 35 patients (20 female and 15 male patients with median age of 12.5 years), treated by extracting 4 or 2 premolars, and 37 patients (16 female and 21 male patients with the median age of 12.8 years), treated without premolar extraction. Both groups were treated with Damon self-ligating system. Plaster models before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were measured, and the arch width values were determined at the level of the first molars, second premolars, canines and palatal rugae. Buccal corridor width was measured using the extraoral images at T0 and T1. Paired t-test was used for the analysis of the normally distributed data, and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test was used for the data with non-normal distribution. Values of p<0.05 were set as statistically significant. Results: The upper intercanine width increased significantly in both groups (p<0.01). In the non-extraction group, the arch width increased significantly in the maxillary second premolar and first molar region (p<0.01) as well as in the region of the canines (p=0.04), second premolars (p=0.01) and first molars (p<0.01) of the mandible. The buccal corridor decreased significantly in the non-extraction group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Premolar extraction in combination with Damon self-ligating system did not lead to reduction of the dental arch width in the maxilla, nor did it increase the size of the buccal corridors.

RESUMO Introdução: Extrair ou não extrair dentes é uma decisão crucial no tratamento ortodôntico. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar as alterações na largura da arcada dentária e no corredor bucal após o tratamento ortodôntico com extração e o tratamento sem extração com o sistema autoligável Damon. Material e Métodos: Esse estudo retrospectivo consistiu de 35 pacientes (20 do sexo feminino e 15 do sexo masculino, com idade média de 12,5 anos), tratados com extração de 4 ou 2 pré-molares; e 37 pacientes (16 do sexo feminino e 21 do sexo masculino, com idade média de 12,8 anos), tratados sem extração de pré-molares. Ambos os grupos foram tratados com o sistema autoligável Damon. Os modelos de gesso antes (T0) e depois (T1) do tratamento foram medidos, e os valores de largura da arcada foram determinados ao nível dos primeiros molares, segundos pré-molares, caninos e rugas palatinas. A largura do corredor bucal foi medida usando as imagens extrabucais em T0 e T1. O teste t pareado foi usado para a análise dos dados com distribuição normal, e o teste U de Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney foi usado para os dados com distribuição não normal. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: A distância intercaninos superiores aumentou significativamente em ambos os grupos (p<0,01). No grupo sem extração, a largura da arcada aumentou significativamente na região dos segundos pré-molares e primeiros molares superiores (p<0,01), bem como na região dos caninos (p=0,04), segundos pré-molares (p=0,01) e primeiros molares (p<0,01) inferiores. O corredor bucal diminuiu significativamente no grupo sem extração (p<0,01). Conclusão: A extração de pré-molares em combinação com o sistema autoligável Damon não levou à redução na largura da arcada dentária superior, nem aumentou o tamanho dos corredores bucais.