Orthodontic Treatment of a Class I Patient Using Self-Ligating System

Abstract

Introduction: Teeth malocclusion is a disability with a potential impact on mental and physical health. Regarding the etiology, it is commonly caused by a distortion of normal development. Objective: To present the orthodontic management of a class I patient with a passive self-ligation system. Case presentation: 11-year-old female patient, mesofacial, straight profile, skeletal class I, molar class I, canine class not established, 6.4 mm upper crowding and 7.73 mm lower crowding, 5 mm overbite, and 2 mm overjet. Oral breather and onychophagia. Treatment was performed with passive self-ligating system brackets. In the alignment and leveling phase, Damon® Q brackets were placed in the upper and lower arch and 0.014" CuNiTi arches, class II elastics with 24 hours of use were indicated. Buildups were placed in the upper first molars. The work phase was started with a 0.016 x 0.022" SS lower arch and was finalized with 0.019 x 0.025" SS arches. Finally, appliance removal and retention placement were performed. As for results, the facial profile was maintained, crowding was eliminated, correct overjet and overbite were obtained, molar class I was obtained, and canine and anterior guidance were established. The curve of Spee was eliminated, and arches were coordinated, obtaining the patient's complete satisfaction. Conclusion: Decision-making in the treatment plan for patients with class I malocclusion must consider various characteristics, such as the patient's profile, incisor inclination, and lower facial height. In the present case, all the characteristics presented were adequate to perform a treatment without extractions which was confirmed by the results obtained.