cephalometric evaluation of dental and skeletal changes in the vertical dimension during the first stage of treatment using preadjusted brackets and the mbt technique

statement of problem: some vertical changes might be observed during the first stage of orthodontic treatment, aligning and leveling. purpose: the aim of this study was to evaluate dental and/or skeletal vertical changes occurring in the first stage of preadjusted orthodontic treatment. materials and methods: fourteen patients with an average age of 14.1 years were selected for this study. preadjusted appliances were used and a lateral cephalogram was taken, subsequently. all patients were treated with four first premolar extractions. after 8 weeks of aligning and leveling, a second cephalogram was obtained. results: no statistically significant changes including extrusion of all teeth except maxillary incisors were observed during this phase. skeletal vertical changes also showed a slight non-significant decrease. conclusion: the results of this study showed minimal vertical changes during the first stage of fixed orthodontic treatment with preadjusted appliances; therefore use of such appliances in patients with a tendency towards increased vertical dimensions could be justified.