This critical summary of a systematic review published in 2010 was prepared under the auspices of the American Dental Association Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry.
The aim of this review was see whether the use of using self-ligating brackets (SLBs) improved clinical outcomes in orthodontic treatment compared with conventional brackets (CBs).
The commentator noted that despite an extensive search there were some reporting and methodological problems with the review along with heterogeneity as a result of the variations of SLBs in use.
A range of outcomes were assessed but most were not directly related to treatment outcome or patient satisfaction. Overall there was limited evidence to support the use of one bracket type over another.
Go to the ADA Critical Summary
Go to the PubMed abstract of the original review
Related review
Ehsani S, Mandich MA, El-Bialy TH, Flores-Mir C. Frictional resistance in self-ligating orthodontic brackets and conventionally ligated brackets. A systematic review. Angle Orthod. 2009 May;79(3):592-601. Review. PubMed PMID: 19413397.
