Changes in Pulpal Blood Flow Between Conventional and Self-ligating Fixed Orthodontic Brackets During Leveling and Alignment Stage

"A pre-adjusted edgewise fixed appliance (3M Gemini Unitek, 0.022 Roth prescription brackets) on one side of lower arch. The standardized bonding technique was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Teeth alignment was initiated using round 0.016 NiTi arch wire until 0.016X0.022 NiTi was reached. The NiTi arch wires were placed into brackets slots and tied with elastomers (figure of 8)."

"Self-ligating brackets (Unitek™ Gemini SL Self-Ligating Brackets, 0.022 Roth prescription brackets) on the other side of lower arch. The standardized bonding technique was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Teeth alignment was initiated using round 0.016 NiTi arch wire until 0.016X0.022 NiTi was reached. The NiTi arch wires were placed into brackets slots and held in place by bracket's gate in the self-ligating brackets side."