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Introduction: In several conditions, outcome stability is a great challenge for Orthodontics. Previous studies have reported that relapse commonly occurs along the years after orthodontic treatment finishing. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate in the longterm transversal dental arch changes of Class II division 1 patients treated with cervical headgear and fixed appliance. Methods: Plaster study casts of 20 patients treated with cervical headgear without dental extractions were 3D-scanned and evaluated in three distinct times: initial (T1), immediate post-treatment (T2) and long-term retention (T3 minimum 20 years). Transversal teeth distance of maxillary and mandibular canines, premolars and first molars were measured. Results: A statistically significant increase during treatment was observed for all maxillary teeth transversal distances (p < 0.05). In turn, a significant reduction was observed in the long term (p < 0.05). For the mandibular teeth, canine transversal distance presented statistically significant constriction in the retention period (p < 0.05). Mandibular first molars distance was significantly expanded by treatment (p < 0.05) and remained stable in the long term. The changes observed for the other teeth or other times were considered not statistically relevant. Conclusions: For the accessed sample, transversal changes occurred during treatment and retention phases in Class II division 1 patients treated with cervical headgear and fixed appliance. Relapse was considered statistically relevant, even with the institution of a retention protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: This in vitro study evaluated and compared the frictional resistance of stainless steel and polycarbonate (PC) composite brackets tied with metal wire and elastomeric ligation. Methods: Four stainless steel and four polycarbonate composite brackets for premolars were placed in a universal testing machine for the traction of a piece of 0.019 x 0.025-in wire at 0.5 mm/min and total displacement of 8 mm. Ligations were performed according to the following alternatives: metal ligation with Steiner tying pliers; metal ligation using Mathieu tying pliers; Morelli™ elastomeric ligation; and TP Orthodontics™ elastomeric ligation. Results and Conclusions: Elastomeric modules generated more friction than the metal ligations, and the ligation with the Mathieu tying pliers caused less friction than all the other conditions under study. PC brackets generated less friction than metal brackets, but the choice of material to be used in clinical conditions should take into consideration other variables, such as resistance to shearing and to fractures, as well as color stability and microorganism adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]