Evaluation of Slot Dimension Accuracy of Different Bracket Systems

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of slot base width and slot top width of ten commercially available bracket systems and to investigate the slot profile.Materials and Methods: 0.022-inch upper right central incisor stainless steel brackets of ten different bracket systems (Gemini (3M Unitek), Victory series (3M Unitek), Master Brackets (American Orthodontics), Microline (Tomy), Equilibrium (Dentaurum), Micro-LPTM (Modern Orthodontics), SapphireTM (Modern Orthodontics), Mini 2000 (Orrmco), Mini Diagonali (Leone) and Midi Diagonali (Leone)) were measured using a stereomicroscope to determine the slot base widths, slot top widths and slot profile. Results and discussion:The slot widths of all bracket systems significantly differed from each other (p<0.001). The slots of Equilibrium (Dentaurum), Midi Diagonali (Leone), Mini Diagonali (Leone), Victory (3M), Microline (Tomy) and Mini 2000 (Ormco) were oversized whereas the slot of Master brackets (American Ortho) were undersized. Midi Diagonali (Leone), Microline (Tomy) and Mini 2000 (Ormco) had parallel slot walls out of all the bracket systems studied. Conclusion:The bracket slot dimensions could be inaccurate due to improper machining and this adversely affects the three-dimensional tooth movement.