Assessment of Inclination and Vertical Changes After En-masse Retraction with Single Versus Double Wire Retraction Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective To evaluate the inclination of incisors after retraction with double wire using double-slot brackets (DSC) versus single wire using single-slot brackets. Materials and Methods Twenty-four patients aged 18 ± 5 years with maxillary anterior proclination requiring extraction of upper first premolars were randomly divided into two groups equally. Group I utilized double wires for retraction in DSCs, whereas Group II received a single wire retraction protocol in single-slot brackets. Pre- and post-retraction cone beam computed tomography scans were compared to assess the changes in inclination, vertical position, anchorage loss, and root resorption between the groups. An independent t -test was done for inter-group comparison, and a paired t -test was done to determine significant changes within the groups. Results Group I revealed a significant reduction in labiolingual inclination by 5.59° ± 6.56°, whereas Group II showed a reduction by 8.02 ± 6.53. The central incisors in Group I showed a vertical change of −1.13 ± 1.34 mm, whereas in Group II, significant vertical changes were limited to the lateral incisors at −1.79 ± 1.35 mm. Inter-group comparisons revealed no significant differences ( P >.05) with respect to torque, anchorage loss, and root resorption. Conclusion The changes in the double-slot group post-retraction were comparable to those in the single-slot group, with no significant statistical difference.