Comparison of root resorption between self ligating and conventional preadjusted brackets using cone beam computed tomography – a randomised clinical trial

Rajalakshmi Shankar Janardhanamurthy; Dr RAHUL NELDURG; DR NAUSHEER AHMED; DR ANUSHA P G; DR EDURU NIHARIKA

doi:10.21276/ujds.2026.12.1.7

Rajalakshmi Shankar Janardhanamurthy Government dental college Bangalore - Rajiv Gandhi university of health sciences
Dr RAHUL NELDURG
DR NAUSHEER AHMED
DR ANUSHA P G
DR EDURU NIHARIKA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21276/ujds.2026.12.1.7

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the extent of external apical root resorption (EARR) in the maxillary anterior teeth during the early phase of orthodontic treatment using either self-ligating or conventional preadjusted edgewise brackets.

Materials and Methods: Seventy participants, averaging 21 years in age and diagnosed with Angle’s Class I malocclusion accompanied by 3 to 6 mm of upper anterior crowding, were enrolled. These subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: Group I (n = 35) treated with self-ligating brackets, and Group II (n = 35) treated with conventional preadjusted brackets. A total of 840 maxillary anterior teeth were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with the NNT software. CBCT imaging was performed before treatment initiation (T1) and six months into treatment (T2). Intergroup and intragroup variations were statistically analyzed using independent and paired t-tests, respectively, at a 5% significance level.

Results: Both groups exhibited statistically significant differences in EARR between T1 and T2. However, the variation in root resorption between the two bracket systems was minimal.

Conclusion: All evaluated teeth showed evidence of root resorption, but the difference attributed to bracket type (self-ligating vs. conventional) was relatively minor.