Friction versus frictionless mechanics during maxillary en-masse retraction in adult patients with Class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Extraction space closure is a challenging phase during orthodontic treatment that affects not only the total treatment duration but also the whole treatment outcome. Objective To compare the efficiency of friction and frictionless mechanics during en-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in adult patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion. Trial design Two-arm parallel group, single-center randomized clinical trial. Materials and methods Thirty-two adult patients with bimaxillary protrusion were recruited and randomly allocated to two different retraction mechanics. A friction group, using NiTi coil springs and a frictionless group using closing T-loops for en-masse retraction. Randomization in a 1:1 ratio was generated by Microsoft Excel. The randomization numbers were secured in opaque sealed envelopes for allocation concealment. Retraction started in all patients following first premolars extraction using miniscrews as a source of indirect anchorage. Activation was done on a monthly basis until complete retraction of anterior segment. The rate of retraction, amount of anchorage loss, the dental, and soft tissue changes were analyzed on digital models and lateral cephalograms taken before retraction and after space closure. Blinding The outcome assessor was blinded through data concealment during assessment. Results Two patients were lost to follow up, so 30 patients completed the trial. The rate of anterior segment retraction was 0.88 ± 0.66 mm/month in the frictionless group compared to 0.72 ± 0.36 mm/month in the friction group which was statistically significant. Anchorage loss of 1.18 ± 0.72 mm in the friction group compared to 1.29 ± 0.55 mm in the frictionless group with no significant difference. Comparable dental and soft tissue changes following en-masse retraction were reported in both groups, with no statistically significant difference. Harm one patient complained of soft tissue swelling following miniscrew insertion, but the swelling disappeared after one week of using mouth wash. Limitation The study focused only on the maxillary arch. Conclusion Both mechanics have successfully achieved the required treatment objectives in patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion. Frictionless group showed a faster rate of retraction than the friction group, which was statistically but not clinically significant. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov with the identifier NCT03261024.