Orthodontic bracket slot dimensions as measured from entire bracket series

Angle Orthod. 2015 Jul;85(4):678-82. doi: 10.2319/042814-307.1. Epub 2014 Sep 29.

Abstract

Objective: To measure the slot dimensions of an entire series of metal orthodontic brackets.

Materials and methods: Ten bracket series approximating five complete sets of brackets each were imaged and measured. Descriptive statistics were generated.

Results: Slot dimension varied significantly from series to series as well as within the series themselves. About one-third of the brackets would not accommodate a full-size wire, and 15% to 20% are 0.001 inches or larger than the nominal advertised size.

Conclusion: The clinician is unlikely to have on hand complete sets (upper and lower 5-5) of ideal brackets and should both expect and be able to be accommodate tooth movement through wire bending in three planes of space to overcome any bracket deficiencies.

Keywords: Brackets; Mechanics.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Orthodontic Appliance Design*
  • Orthodontic Brackets* / classification
  • Orthodontic Wires
  • Surface Properties