Objective: This study was designed to evaluate radiographically the effect of passive self-ligating bracket on root surface and bone density in both arches.
Patients, materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 20 patients which were divided into two groups; the first group includes 10 adolescent patients aged 13-16 years old and the second group includes 10 adult patients aged 18-21 years old. For each arch of the individuals participating; a quadrant was bonded with passive self-ligating brackets and the other quadrant within the same arch was bonded by conventional
brackets. Standardized reproducible digital panoramic radiographs for each patient were evaluated preoperatively (T0), 6 months (T1) and 1 year (T2) after beginning
the orthodontic treatment. The four permanent canines were evaluated regarding the root length and bone density. An indirect digital image radiographic system was followed in this study to obtain and evaluate bone density and degree of root resorption. Results: There was no statistical significant difference in bone density and root resorption
changes of the maxillary and the mandibular arches between both age groups. Conclusions: Passive self-ligating brackets tend to have the same effect on the bone density and root surface of both the maxilla and the mandible.