The Effect of the I-Arch on the Buccal Alveolar Crest in Comparison with the Traditional Archwire Sequence: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

TL;DR

This study compares the I-arch and traditional archwires in orthodontic treatment, finding that the I-arch causes less alveolar bone resorption and shorter initial treatment time.

Contribution

The study introduces the I-arch as a novel orthodontic archwire that reduces alveolar bone side effects during treatment.

Findings

The I-arch group showed less alveolar bone resorption, dehiscence, and fenestration.

The first treatment period was significantly shorter in the I-arch group.

Total treatment duration was similar between the I-arch and traditional archwire groups.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The nature, diameter, and cross-section of orthodontic archwires affect tooth movement and the surrounding alveolar bone. Researchers have explored different features of archwires to optimize treatment outcomes. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the properties of the I-arch for its effects on alveolar bone height, dehiscence, fenestration, and treatment duration. Methods: Forty patients (eight males, and thirty-two females; mean age: 20.97 ± 2.41 years) with dental crowding ≤ 6 mm and Class I malocclusion were treated without extractions. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 20), treated with the I-arch, and the control group (CG, n = 20), treated with traditional archwires of the MBT technique. Two CBCT scans were taken for each patient, one before treatment (T0) and one after leveling (T2). The studied teeth were upper and lower centrals, canines, and second premolars. The treatment duration was measured across three periods: T0–T1, T1–T2, and T0–T2. Results: Alveolar bone resorption, dehiscence, and fenestration were lower in the EG. Total treatment duration (T0–T2) was similar between groups, but the first period (T0–T1) was significantly shorter in the EG (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The I-arch resulted in fewer side effects on alveolar bone height during leveling and alignment.

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