RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To compare between two archwire (AW) sequences in terms of alignment speed and root resorption (RR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients (14 males, 40 females) requiring orthodontic treatment were randomly allocated into two groups; in group A (mean age 18.3) treatment started with 0.014â³ nickel titanium (NiTi) followed by 0.019â³×0.025â³ NiTi AW while group B (mean age 18.9) the AW sequence was 0.014â³ NiTi, 0.018â³ NiTi, 0.016â³×0.022â³ NiTi, 0.019â³×0.025â³ NiTi. The primary outcome was to compare the alignment speed of the crowded upper and lower teeth between the two different AW sequences. The secondary outcome was to assess the magnitude of upper and lower incisors' root resorption (RR) measured by digital periapical radiographs taken at the start of treatment and 1 month after the placement of the working AW. t-test was used to compare the alignment speed and RR between the two groups. Statistical significance was predetermined at the P ≤ 0.05 level for all tests. RESULTS: The 54 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either group. Seven patients were excluded and complete data were obtained for 47 patients; 24 and 23 patients in group A and group B, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the alignment speed in the lower arch (P>0.05, mean difference=-0.44, 95% CI=-0.9 to 0.03) and root resorption (P>0.05). Alignment of upper arch was faster in group A (P < 0.0001, mean difference= - 0.9, 95% CI =-1.4 to -0.5). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference between the two groups in the alignment speed in the lower arch and incisors' RR. Upper arch alignment was faster in group A. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not registered.
