Comparing the rate of retraction in canines in males and females

There are multiple factors that affect the treatment duration and the rate of canine retraction between males and females. A difference in the levels of calcitonin and the maintenance of the appliance by both genders varies the treatment duration. Hence this study was conducted to analyse the difference in the rate of canine retraction between males and females using two different bracket systems, synergy and self-ligating. The study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial, which included 16 subjects, 8 males and 8 females, of ages 12-30 years, divided into 2 groups, the left and the right quadrants receiving Self Ligating and Synergy brackets based on simple randomization, along with a 19*25" SS wire and closed coil springs for individual canine retraction. The patients were reviewed every 21 days for four appointments and records were taken for each review. Digital Vernier calliper was used to measure the amount of canine retraction, and statistical analysis was conducted. The values were calculated and tabulated, and independent ‘t' test was used to analyse the statistical difference. There was no significant statistical difference between the two genders. There are various factors that affect the rate of canine retraction and gender of the patient undergoing orthodontic treatment is one of them. With increased amounts of calcitonin in males, making the alveolar and basal bone denser when compared to women, would likely increase the treatment time in males, when compared to females. Hence this study was conducted to compare the difference and showed that there is no statistical difference between males and females in the rate of canine retraction.