Ergonomic features for managing patients with malocclusion on self-ligating or ligature bracket systems

Abstract

At the present stage of orthodontics development, a selfligating brace system is becoming increasingly common as a tool for correcting dental anomalies. However, in the domestic literature there is no data on the comparative ergonomics of treating patients with malocclusion on self-ligating and ligature bracket systems. Aim of the study: To compare the time spent by an orthodontist on activating self-ligating and ligature bracket systems during an orthodontic visit. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the clinical base of St. Petersburg State University. We examined 15 patients of the first group who were treated with the self-ligating bracket system, and 15 patients of the second group who were treated with the ligature bracket system. The timing of the arch replacement stages was recorded for all patients at the stage of insertion of the .016?.022 SS arch. Results. The total activation time for the self-ligating bracket system was 3 minutes 10 seconds, for the ligature bracket system — 10 minutes 20 seconds. The greatest time savings were more than 9 minutes when activating self-ligating brackets compared to activation of the metal ligatures in a conventional bracket system, which took an average of 12 minutes 30 seconds. Conclusion: The self-ligating bracket system significantly reduces the patient’s time in the dentist’s chair. The saved time can be used for a preventive conversation with the patient in order to improve motivation to comply with recommendations, which has a beneficial effect on the results of orthodontic treatment.