A Comparison of the Accuracy of 0.022 Slots at Face, Base and Mesial and Distal Surface of Brackets marketed by Different Manufacturers

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of the bracket slot dimension at base and at face and at the mesial and distal surfaces of conventional 0.022 slot metal brackets marketed by different manufacturers. Materials and methods:Twenty brackets each of 0.022 inch upper left central incisor brackets from five different manufacturers were taken for evaluation of slot dimensions with a stereomicroscope. The images obtained were calibrated with a software (Dewinter Biowizard 4.3). The bracket slot at the base and the face were measured at both the mesial and distal tie-wings. The values obtained were subjected to ANOVA and paired t-tests. Results:The size of the slots ranged from a minimum of 0.0201" to maximum of 0.0248". In general, the size of the slots was greater at the face than at the base. The mean percentage loss of symmetry from base to face for different manufacturers ranged from 2.589 to 8.958%. There was a significant difference in the slot size between the mesial and distal aspects for all the brackets except 3M and Ortho Organizer. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that orthodontic bracket slots were different than stated by the manufacturers. All the brackets were larger at the face than at the base. Clinicians should be aware that there may be a three-dimensional loss of tooth positioning as a result of the inadvertent use of orthodontic brackets with inaccurate slots.

Evaluation of Slot Dimension Accuracy of Different Bracket Systems

“…The results of the present study showed that the mean slot width at base was minimum for Master Brackets (American Ortho) (0.021130 ± 0.00017) inch and maximum for Mini Diagonali (Leone) (0.022170 ± 0.00011) inch. The mean values of slot base width for Equilibrium (Dentaurum) and Leone group of the present study were 0.022110 inch and 0.022110 inch respectively and these values were similar to a study done by Karan Tangri et al 14 as the values were 0.0222 inch and 0.022 inch respectively. In their study the mean value of slot base width of Sapphire (Modern Ortho) was 0.0209 inch whereas this measurement was 0.021850 inch in the present study.…”

“…In the present study various bracket systems were compared and statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were found in the slot dimensions of various manufacturers. This finding was in agreement with the studies done by Karan et al 14 , Youngran et al 17 and Laura et al 18 .…”

“…The slot width at top was minimum for Master brackets (American Ortho) (0.021390 ± 0.00027 inch) and maximum for Mini Diagonali (Leone) (0.022290 ± 0.00012 inch). A study done by Karan Tangri et al 14 showed almost similar mean value for slot top width of Leone as the value in their study was 0.0227 inch and the mean slot width at top for Victory (3M) was equivalent to study performed by Vinaya S Pai et al 15 as the value in their study was 0.0222 inch. Daga et al 16 when measured slot width at the top of Master Brackets (American Ortho) bracket slot, the width was found to be 0.0238 inch and this finding was incontrast to the present study.…”

Variability of slot size in orthodontic brackets

“…Tangri et al analyzed twenty 0.022 × 0.028‐in. brackets from five different manufacturers, using a stereomicroscope (Tangri & Kumar, ). A significant difference of the slot size was observed for all of the brackets, both at base and at face.…”

Validation of Commonly Used Rectangular Nitinol Arch Wire Dimensions Using Stereomicroscope - An Invitro Study

“…Use of undersized archwires may directly and adversely affect the three dimensional tooth positioning. 1 Achieving a satisfactory inclination or torque of the incisors is important for the final esthetic result. Torque expression depends upon a number of factors including the size of the bracket slots and archwires.…”