To Assess the Dimensional Accuracy of Slot Size in Passive Self-Ligating Brackets from Three Distinct Orthodontic Companies

Abstract

Aim: To assess the dimensional accuracy of slot size in passive self-ligating brackets from three distinct orthodontic companies.

Material and method: A total of 120 self-ligating brackets for the upper right central incisor were obtained, with 40 brackets from each of three different manufacturers (American Orthodontics, Forestadent, Damon Q). These brackets had a slot size of 0.022 inches and were separated into three groups, with each group including 40 brackets. The brackets were positioned on an acrylic plate that functioned as a template. A perforation was created in the plate to affix the brackets. The perforation was then filled with modelling clay, allowing for half of the bracket to be placed while the other half remained visible for evaluation purposes. A stereomicroscope was used, connected to a computer equipped with a Charge Coupled Device camera to capture the photos. Following the insertion, the brackets were fine-tuned using a 0.016” x 0.022” stainless steel wire segment. The microscope's pictures were processed.

Results: The average slot width at the base of the brackets was determined to be: American orthodontics (0.025 inch), Demon Q (0.026 inch), and Forestadent (0.026 inch). Group 1 and group 2 had more variance in their mean value compared to group 3. Upon comparing the slot width at the base of the brackets across the three groups, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 3 (P=0.15). The comparison between group 1 and groups 2 and 3 showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The average slot widths at the top of the brackets were determined to be: 0.026 inch for American orthodontic, 0.027 inch for Demon Q, and 0.026 inch for Forestadent.

Conclusion: The analysis revealed a substantial disparity between the measured dimensions of the tested arch wires and the dimensions provided by the companies. There was significant disparity in the slot dimensions across various bracket systems. The walls of the slots deviated from the bracket bases. Forestadent offers the most optimal bracket slot size for precise dimensional accuracy.