Self-ligating brackets have become increasingly established in orthodontics in recent decades. While proponents haveprofessed overwhelming advantages of self-ligation, most notably a reduction in treatment time and a reduced requirement for extractions, there has been little convincing evidence to support many of these claims. In this review the evidence concerning the influence of self-ligating brackets on the efficiency of orthodontic treatment is considered.

Three 10-mm-long miniscrews commonly employed in orthodontic treatment were compared in four different situations involving diverse thicknesses of cortical bone. The finite element method (FEM) was used in the study, in which a force of 250 g was applied in two directions: perpendicular and parallel to the bone surface. As the parameter under study was the thickness of cortical bone, simulations were performed in four different bone loss situations: 2.5, 2, 1.5 and 1 mm. Our aim was also to quantify the stresses and displacements generated when applying a force of 250 g perpendicular and parallel to the bone surface under the same skeletal conditions. The results reveal similar performance in the three analysed samples, with increased stresses and displacements in the surrounding bone in relation to similar variations in the thickness of cortical bone.

Enamel is the most visible tissue of the tooth. It gives the tooth its whiteness, its brilliance and is the main focus of our attention from an esthetic point of view. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to see alterations in this enamel, whether they are simple localized discolored spots, or more extensive loss of tooth substance. The etiologies, then, are multiple: toxicity during the mineralization of the bud, hyperthermia or a genetic abnormality. As professionals, making an etiological diagnosis and reassuring the parents is a challenge that we must address on a daily basis.

Orthodontists and maxillo-facial surgeons are very aware of the different therapeutic options for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiencies. But what about mandibular transverse deficiencies? A number of dentofacial orthopedic mandibular expansion techniques have been suggested, but they often have a tendency to relapse. Symphyseal distraction is the easiest solution for the correction of mandibular transverse defects, particularly in cases of a major deficiency such as Brodie’s Syndrome. In addition to recreating a physiologic occlusion, this technique makes it possible to considerably increase the width of the bony and soft tissue that not only improves the patient’s function and esthetics, but also helps to ensure long-term occlusal stability as well.