In orthodontics, the teeth tend to move to the extraction space. This tooth movement becomes of larger importance when there is a crowding. During the COVID lockdown period, It was noted that some cases have a significant improvement and almost all the crowding was relieved without appliance activation.

In this randomized controlled trial, a sufficient number of patients would be randomly assigned into two groups; one with braces and one without fixed braces.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients with permanent dentition between age group of 13 - 30 years.

• Maxillary or mandibular crowding >4.1mm and requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars or mandibular first premolars. The crowding will be measured using a caliper one cast models.
• Fully erupted teeth from 1st molar to the 1st molar.
• Patients with periodontally sound dentition.
• Patients with good general health. No previous history of extraction or orthodontic tooth movement.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cases requiring orthognathic surgery.

  • History of systemic and medical illness.
  • Contraindication of extraction.
  • Previous history of orthodontic treatment.
  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Nickel allergy.

12 months

The two groups will have lingual arches. However, patients without braces will not be informed about their braces before 5 months of trial initiation.