OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in the inclination of anterior teeth caused by orthodontic treatment using a Straight-Wire appliance (Capelozza's prescription II), before and after the leveling phase with rectangular stainless steel archwires. METHODS: Seventeen adult subjects were selected who presented with facial pattern II, Class II malocclusion, referred for compensatory orthodontic treatment. Inclinations of anterior teeth were clinically assessed using CT scans at three different times, i.e., after the use of 0.020-in (T1), 0.019 X 0.025-in (T2) and 0.021 X 0.025-in (T3) archwires. Friedman's analysis of variance was applied with 5% significance level to compare the three assessments (T1, T2 and T3). RESULTS: It was noted that the rectangular wires were unable to produce any significant changes in inclination medians, except for a slight change in mandibular lateral incisors (p<0.05). On the other hand, variations in inclination were smaller when 0.021 X 0.025-in archwires were employed, particularly in maxillary incisors (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of rectangular 0.021 X 0.025-in archwires produces more homogeneous variations in the inclination of maxillary incisors, but no significant median changes.
Computed Tomography; Orthodontic treatment; Tooth inclination
