The patients in this group were treated with conventional braces.The patients were treated with 0.018-inch slot metal Roth brackets. Pretreatment (T0) digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken from the patients to compare pretreatment characteristics between the groups.The digital periapical radiographs taken with the paralleling technique were obtained.The digital periapical radiographs taken with the paralleling technique were obtained from the maxillary and mandibular incisors at the beginning of the treatment (T0) and after 6 months (T2).Probing depth, plaque index, and bleeding on probing were record at T0, after 3 months of treatment(T1), and at 6months(T2) to evaluate the periodontal status of the patients.A 5-question survey was used to evaluate pain levels, and a 9-question survey was used to evaluate chewing performance.

The patients in this group were treated with clear aligners. Anterior teeth movement started from the first pair of aligners. Microfill and brace paste primers were used for bonding the attachments. Pretreatment (T0) digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken from the patients to compare pretreatment characteristics between the groups.The digital periapical radiographs taken with the paralleling technique were obtained.The digital periapical radiographs taken with the paralleling technique were obtained from the maxillary and mandibular incisors at the beginning of the treatment (T0) and after 6 months (T2).Probing depth, plaque index, and bleeding on probing were record at T0, after 3 months of treatment(T1), and at 6months(T2) to evaluate the periodontal status of the patients.A 5-question survey was used to evaluate pain levels, and a 9-question survey was used to evaluate chewing performance.

The investigators measured pain and chewing performance at 8 time points during the first 6 months.

The Visual Analog Scale has been used to evaluate pain scores and chewing performance. According to this scale, high scores represent good masticatory performance and high pain. Low scores represent poor masticatory performance and low pain.