Aim: To evaluate the effect of self-ligating and conventional bracket systems on
buccal corridor widths and areas Subjects and Methods: 20 participants were recruited
for each bracket system. Pretreatment and post treatment frontal photographs were
transferred to Photoshop CC, standardized using inter-canthal width and linear and area
measurements were performed with tools in Photoshop CC. Ratios was then calculated
for statistical analysis. Relationships between arch widths and buccal corridors were
also examined. Results: There were no significant differences in the posttreatment
intercanine or intermolar widths either within or between the CG and SL groups. There
were no significant differences in any buccal corridor width or area measurement either
within or between the CG and SL groups. There were strong correlations with the
intercanine width and the corresponding buccal corridor smile width measurements.
There was an inverse correlation with the buccal corridor area in relation to the canine
and the total smile width. Conclusion: It is likely that posttreatment increases in arch
width can be seen in patients treated with either a conventional bracket system or the
self-ligating system. It is highly unlikely that there is any significant difference in buccal
corridor width or area in patients treated with the self-ligating system or a conventional
bracket system.