Objective: This study aims to evaluate the soft tissue changes resulting from first premolar extraction and anterior teeth retraction using en-masse retraction compared to two-step retraction.
Materials and Methods: The study included a total sample size of 36 adult patients divided equally into three groups, with 12 patients in each group. Group 1 was treated using en-masse retraction on a 0.019" × 0.025" stainless steel archwire. Group 2 received en-masse retraction on a 0.017" × 0.025" stainless steel archwire, while Group 3 underwent two-step retraction using a 0.017" × 0.025" stainless steel archwire.
Results: Both Group 2 and Group 3 exhibited statistically significant changes compared to Group 1 in terms of lower lip retraction and reduction in incisal show. The lower lip retraction measurements were 1.72 mm ± 3.30 mm, 2.58 mm ± 4.82 mm, and 4.13 mm ± 2.72 mm for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The decrease in incisor display was 0.06 mm ± 0.87 mm, 1.38 mm ± 1.99 mm, and 1.42 mm ± 1.39 mm, respectively.
Conclusion: The en-masse retraction technique, particularly with thinner archwire, and the two-step retraction technique resulted in increased retroclination of the upper and lower incisors, reduced upper incisor display, and greater retraction of the lower lip.