Torque efficiency of different archwires in 0.018- and 0.022-inch conventional brackets

Evaluation of torque moment in self-ligation lingual brackets

This study investigates the moments generated when applying third-order bends to lingual brackets with different slot shapes and wires made of different materials. Three types of lingual brackets with different slot shapes: 0.018×0.018-inch square slot self-ligation bracket (AL-bracket); 0.018×0.025-inch slot self-ligation bracket (CL-bracket); 0.018×0.025-inch slot self-ligation bracket (ST-bracket). Wires of three different materials were measured. The torque value generated during torque application was measured using a torque gauge. The AL-bracket had a significantly larger torque moment than the CL- and ST-brackets at the same angles. The CL-bracket had the smallest torque moment of the three for the square wire; however, the CL-bracket revealed a larger torque moment than the ST-bracket for the rectangular wire. The torque moment of Ti-Ni wires was observed the smallest. In lingual orthodontic treatment, the results suggested the shape of the lingual bracket slot and the wire material should be considered when adjusting and applying third-order bends.

Comparative study of torque expression and its biomechanical effects: spherical self-ligating bracket with lock-hook system versus passive self-ligating bracket and conventional bracket

BACKGROUND

Proper torque control is crucial to the outcome of orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to employ finite element analysis to compare the torque capabilities of a novel spherical self-ligating bracket with a lock-hook system against those of commonly used passive self-ligating and conventional bracket systems, as well as to reveal the biomechanical changes in the periodontal ligament (PDL) during torque expression.

METHODS

A maxillary right central incisor, along with its PDL and alveolar bone, were modeled. Three types of brackets were selected: a spherical self-ligating bracket with a lock-hook system, a passive self-ligating bracket (Damon), and a conventional bracket (Discovery). Each bracket was equipped with a 0.022-inch slot and a 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless steel archwire. A palatal root torque of 20° was applied. The torque moment, as well as the von Mises stress and strain in the PDL, were calculated. A clinical case involving the lingual inclination of the upper anterior teeth was utilized to assess the feasibility of using the spherical self-ligating bracket with the lock-hook system to express torque.

RESULTS

At a twist angle of 20°, the maximum torque generated by the spherical self-ligating bracket with a lock-hook system (27.8 N·mm) was approximately 1.6 times greater than that of the Damon bracket (17.5 N·mm) and the Discovery bracket (17.3 N·mm). As the twist angle increased, both the von Mises stress and the strain in the PDL also increased. When the maximum PDL stress was less than 0.026 MPa and the percentage of the PDL good strain area (defined as the area with PDL strain ≥ 0.3%) exceeded 50%, the torque range for the maxillary incisor was between 10.2 and 17.5 N·mm. The clinical case demonstrated that the use of the spherical self-ligating bracket with the lock-hook system effectively corrected the unfavorable linguoclination of the maxillary incisors.

CONCLUSIONS

The spherical self-ligating bracket with a lock-hook system can significantly enhance torque expression. The optimal torque range for the maxillary incisor is between 10.2 and 17.5 N·mm.

Comparing Torque Transmission of Different Bracket Systems in Combination with Various Archwires Considering Play in the Bracket Slot: An In Vitro Study

This study aims to examine the play between various archwires and bracket systems, exploring potential variations in angle values for specific torque and torque values for a given angle along different bracket systems. Therefore, seven brackets systems were evaluated in conjunction with different stainless steel archwires of varying dimensions (0.016″ × 0.022″, 0.018″ × 0.025″, and 0.019″ × 0.025″). Biomechanical behavior during torque development and transmission was assessed using a six-component force/torque sensor. Torque angles (5-45°) were specified with subsequent torque measurement, and the sequence was reversed by setting the torque (5-30 Nmm) and measuring the angle. A reference measurement with 0 Nmm torque served to evaluate bracket slot play. Bracket play (0 Nmm) during palatal load ranged between 20.06° and 32.50° for 0.016″ × 0.022″ wire, 12.83° and 21.11° for 0.018″ × 0.025″ wire, and 8.39° and 18.73° for 0.019″ × 0.025″ wire. The BioQuick® bracket exhibited the highest play, while Wave SL® and Damon® Q brackets demonstrated the lowest play (p < 0.001). Significant differences (p < 0.001) between the brackets were observed in the torque angles required to achieve torques of 5-20 Nmm. In summary, each bracket system has a different torque transmission, which is of great clinical importance in order to achieve correct torque transmission and avoid complications such as root resorption.

Changes of maxillary central incisor and alveolar bone in Class II Division 2 nonextraction treatment with a fixed appliance or clear aligner: A pilot cone-beam computed tomography study

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective clinical study investigated the clinical changes of maxillary central incisor and alveolar bone in Class II Division 2 nonextraction treatment with fixed appliances or clear aligners on the basis of cone-beam computed tomography.

METHODS

Fifty-nine Chinese Han patients with similar demographic characteristics were collected from a conventional bracket group, a self-ligating bracket group, and a clear aligner group. All measurements about root resorption and alveolar bone thickness on the cone-beam computed tomography images were tested. Changes between pretreatment and posttreatment were evaluated by paired-sample t test. The variation among the 3 groups was compared by 1-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The resistance center of the maxillary central incisor showed upward or forward movement, and the axial inclination was increased in 3 groups (P <0.0001). Root volume loss in the clear aligner group (23.68 ± 4.82 mm³) was significantly less than that in the fixed appliances group (28.24 ± 6.44 mm³ in the conventional bracket group, 28.17 ± 6.07 mm³ in the self-ligating bracket group) (P <0.05). All 3 groups showed a significant decrease in palatal alveolar bone and total bone thickness at all 3 levels at posttreatment. In contrast, labial bone thickness significantly increased except for crestal level l. Among the 3 groups, the clear aligner group had a prominent increase in labial bone thickness at the apical level (P = 0.0235).

CONCLUSIONS

Clear aligner treatment for Class II Division 2 malocclusions could effectively reduce the incidence of fenestration and root resorption. Our findings will be beneficial to comprehensively understand the effectiveness of different appliances for Class II Division 2 malocclusions treatment.

Finite element analysis of tie wings rotation: A new phenomenon in orthodontic bracket-archwire contact assembly during simulated torque

In orthodontics, the torque generated forces from the rectangular archwires refine the teeth position. Literature shows only linear deformation in brackets during torqueing. The objective of this study was to evaluate a new phenomenon of tie wings rotation, an angular deformation in Stainless Steel (SS) brackets with SS and Beta-Titanium (β-Ti) archwires at various angles of twist. Maxillary central incisor SS 0.457 mm × 0.635 mm and 0.558 mm × 0.711 mm brackets, SS and β-Ti archwires of 0.431 mm × 0.635 mm and 0.533 mm × 0.635 mm sizes were used. Finite element analysis was performed in various bracket-archwire assemblies for simulated torque. Palatal root torque was applied and the gingival tie wings rotation was measured at selected points, from 5° to 30° angles of twist. The tie wings rotation for 30° twist with SS 0.533 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.558 mm bracket ranged from 1.32° to 2.55° and with SS 0.431 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.457 mm bracket from 0.71° to 1.73°. Similarly, with β-Ti 0.533 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.558 mm bracket and β-Ti 0.431 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.457 mm bracket, the tie wings rotation ranged from 0.73° to 1.38° and 0.39° to 0.93° respectively. The tie wings rotation were present in all the FE models. Higher archwire size, stiffness, and angles of twist showed increased rotation. Thus, clinicians should be aware of this tie wings rotation during torqueing as an additional factor for torque loss.

Change in crown inclination accompanying initial tooth alignment with round archwires

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in-vitro, the change in crown inclination that occurs during orthodontic leveling and alignment using different archwire-bracket-ligation combinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four archwire types were tested: (1) 0.012-in stainless steel and (2) 0.0155-in stainless steel multi-stranded, (3) 0.012-in nitinol Orthonol® and (4) 0.012-in nitinol Thermalloy®. Combinations with five types of 0.022-in slot orthodontic brackets were tested: SmartClipTM and Time3® self-ligating brackets, Mini-Taurus® and Victory SeriesTM conventional brackets, and Synergy® conventional-low friction bracket. Conventional brackets were ligated with both stainless steel and elastomeric ligatures. The simulated malocclusion comprised 2.0mm gingival and 2.0mm labial displacements of a maxillary right central incisor. Rotation around the Y-axis (representing labio-palatal inclination) was measured for the different archwire-bracket-ligation combinations.

RESULTS

The largest rotation was measured whith Orthonol® and Thermalloy® wires when combined with SmartClipTM brackets (8.07±0.24º and 8.06±0.26º, respectively) and with Synergy® brackets ligated with stainless steel ligatures (8.03±0.49º and 8.0±0.37º, respectively). The lower rotation was recorded when Thermalloy®, multi-stranded, and Orthonol® wires were ligated with elastomeric rings to Mini-Taurus® brackets (1.53±0.18º, 1.65± 0.23º and 1.70±0.28º, respectively) and to Victory SeriesTM brackets (1.68± 0.78º, 2.92± 1.40º and 1.74±0.46º, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

All archwire-bracket-ligation combinations produced lingual crown inclination; however, lower changes were observed when the conventional brackets were ligated with elastomeric rings. The multi-stranded archwire produced less rotation with nearly every bracket-ligation combination, compared to the other archwires. The effect of the archwire-bracket-ligation combination on tooth inclination during leveling and alignment should be considered during planning treatment mechanics.

Evaluation of torque moment in esthetic brackets from bendable alloy wires

OBJECTIVES

To examine the torque moment that occurs between esthetic brackets and bendable alloy (stainless steel [SS], titanium-molybdenum [Ti-Mo], and titanium-niobium [Ti-Nb]) wires.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study examined ceramic (CR), zirconium oxide (ZC), polycarbonate (PC), and conventional metallic brackets (MT) (upper, 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch slots) combined with SS, Ti-Mo, and Ti-Nb wires using elastic module ligation. The torque moments delivered by various wire and bracket combinations were measured using a torque gauge apparatus. The wire torque angles at 5-40° were examined.

RESULTS

The torque value increased in the order of CR, ZC, MT, and PC brackets for both 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch slots. The fracture points of the CR and ZC brackets combined with SS and Ti-Mo wires were approximately more than 30° and 35°, respectively. No fracture points were detected in the combination of ZC brackets and Ti-Nb wires.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study identified the material characteristics of CR, ZR, and PC brackets during torque tooth movements. The present results demonstrate a characteristic combined effect between different esthetic brackets and bendable alloy wires.

Comparative finite element analysis of bracket deformation in tie wings and slot region during simulated torque

INTRODUCTION

Torque in orthodontics is the activation of the archwire for the third-order movement of teeth. During this force transfer mechanism from the twisted archwire, the bracket is prone to deformation. This study aimed to compare the deformation in tie wings and the slot region of the bracket during torque using finite element analysis.

METHODS

Three-dimensionally modeled 0.017 × 0.025-in and 0.019 × 0.025-in stainless steel (SS) and titanium molybdenum alloy archwires were assembled in 0.018-in and 0.022-in solid modeled SS edgewise brackets, respectively. The finite element model of the bracket-archwire combinations was developed with contact boundary conditions. The deformation between tie wings and the slot was analyzed for various angles of twist.

RESULTS

For SS archwires at 30° angle of twist, the tie wings deformation in 0.018-in and 0.022-in brackets were 48.67 μm and 34.87 μm, respectively. The slot deformations of 0.018-in and 0.022-in brackets were 66.33 μm and 45.69 μm, respectively. Similarly, the amount of deformation in the bracket-titanium molybdenum alloy archwire combinations were also presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The slot deformation was more than the tie wings deformation as the slot walls bear the immediate torque force. Thus, orthodontic researchers should know that the torque-relevant bracket deformation should ideally be evaluated in the slot region rather than the tie wings.

Implications of pretreatment incisor inclinations for the achievement of cephalometric normal values-a study on two patient collectives

PURPOSE

The objective was to clarify whether standardized multibracket therapies-differing only in finishing-wire dimensions (0.016 × 0.022 inch vs. 0.017 × 0.025 inch CNA [Connecticut New Archwire]) and excluding any extraction treatment or additional appliances other than intermaxillary elastics-can produce normal incisor inclinations starting from different baseline inclinations.

METHODS

We analyzed pre- and posttreatment cephalograms of 156 patients (age: 15.6 ± 1.3 years) treated with Roth system (0.018 inch slot). Each archwire group (n = 89 or 67) was divided into subjects with initially retroclined, orthograde, or proclined upper and/or lower incisors (U1, L1). For the resultant 12 subgroups, descriptive statistics were compiled relative to five reference planes (NL, ML, NA, NB, BOP), followed by multiple intragroup (Kolmogoroff-Smirnoff and Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and intergroup (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test) comparisons relative to NL or ML.

RESULTS

The following intra- (1, 2) and intergroup (3, 4) differences were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) in both archwire groups: (1) post- vs. pretreatment inclinations in the subgroups initially retroclined U1, retroclined L1 and orthograde U1, but without normal values being achieved (subgroups retroclined U1, L1) or preserved (subgroup orthograde U1); (2) observed vs. expected alterations for the subgroups initially orthograde and proclined U1 and L1; (3) posttreatment inclinations for the subgroups initially retroclined vs. orthograde L1 and proclined L1; (4) observed alterations for the subgroups initially retroclined vs. proclined U1 and L1, but neither retroclined nor proclined vs. orthograde. Archwire thickness influenced the outcome to only a limited extent under the special circumstances of this study.

CONCLUSION

The bracket/archwire combinations evaluated did not lead to normal incisor inclinations in most cases. Posttreatment values did significantly depend on the pretreatment situation. Most frequently, alterations were protrusive in direction, which notably even included incisors that showed norm values at the outset of treatment. It can be concluded that bracket torque will influence but not dominate incisor inclinations.

Comparison of multiforce nickel-titanium wires to multistrand wires without force zones in bending and torque measurements

PURPOSE

The aim was to compare rectangular multiforce nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires to rectangular wires with only one force zone. Both types of wires are primarily intended for use during the levelling phase of orthodontic treatment. Thus, basic mechanical properties were examined by means of a three-point bending test. Torque expression, which is dependent on both wire parameters and interslot distances, was analyzed using the Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System (OMSS).

MATERIAL/METHODS

Four multizone products were tested: DuoForce™ (Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany), TriTanium™ (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA), Triple Force™ (ODS, Kisdorf, Germany), Bio-Active™ (GC, Breckerfeld, Germany), and two multistrand products without force zones: a nine-strand NiTi, TurboWire™ (Ormco, Orange, CA, USA) and an eight-strand stainless steel (SS) wire, Multibraid™ (GAC, Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA). All the wires had the dimension 0.40 mm × 0.56 mm (0.016 inch × 0.022 inch) except the nine-strand NiTi wire TurboWire™, which had a dimension of 0.43 mm × 0.65 mm (0.017 inch × 0.025 inch). Six different bracket systems in the 0.018 inch slot system were chosen: the conventional brackets discovery® and discovery® smart (Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany), the active self-ligating brackets InOvation™ and InOvation™ mini (GAC, Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA) and the passive self-ligating brackets Carrière™ (ODS, Kisdorf, Germany) and BioPassive® (Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany). The first set-up was a three-point bending test according to DIN EN ISO 15841. For the second experiment, the bracket products glued on a maxilla model were combined with the wire products. The torque moments arising during torqueing of the wires between +20° and -20° were measured in three positions: first incisor, canine and second bicuspid.

RESULTS

Bending tests confirmed variation of the force corresponding to the force zones. The nine-strand NiTi wire TurboWire^TM and the eight-strand SS wire Multibraid™ did not show any variation dependent on the tested area. Torque-moments generated by the multizone wires were higher compared to the braided wires. The nine-strand NiTi wire showed the lowest moments in spite of the higher dimension. As expected, increasing the interbracket distance reduced the torque moments.

CONCLUSION

The tests verified the existence of multiple force zones in the NiTi wires for forces and moments, respectively. As the torque-moments arising from the multizone wires were rather high, it is not recommended to use these wires as a first "leveling wire" in orthodontic treatment, especially in extremely crowded cases.

Experimental evaluation of orthodontic bracket slot deformation to simulated torque

In orthodontic fixed appliance therapy, the archwire torque used to refine the teeth position during the treatment imparts significant forces inside the bracket slot. The objective of this study was to measure the torque relevant bracket slot deformation in Stainless Steel (SS) brackets during various degree of archwire twist. Standard edgewise brackets 0.018-inch (in.)/0.022-in. each 20 no. and 0.016 × 0.022, 0.017 × 0.025, 0.019 × 0.025, and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwires each 10 no. were used. A novel experimental setup consisting of loading fixture and torque key mounted on a Vision Measuring System (VMS) were used to measure the brackets slot deformation. The Top Slot and Middle Slot Deformations (TSD and MSD) of the brackets for 35° angle of twist in 0.016 × 0.022 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot, 0.019 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot and for 30° angle of twist in 0.017 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot were measured. Results showed that the mean TSD and MSD were higher when the archwire size, the slot size and the angle of twist were greater. In the evaluated bracket-archwire combinations, the TSD were higher than MSD and the bracket slots were elastically deformed within the clinically required 35° angle of twist in the archwire. Clinicians should be aware of this torque relevant bracket slot deformation which might be a factor for torque loss and suitably incorporate archwire angle of twist.

Finite element analysis of torque induced orthodontic bracket slot deformation in various bracket-archwire contact assembly

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Orthodontic fixed appliance therapy involves alignment of teeth through the bracket and archwires. The archwire twist (torque) imparts significant forces inside the bracket slot in refining the teeth position at the end of treatment. The objective of this in- silico study was to evaluate the torque induced bracket slot deformation in the commonly used 0.018 inch (") and 0.022" conventional Stainless Steel (SS) brackets with clinically relevant archwires during various angles of twist.

METHODS

SS maxillary central incisor brackets of 0.018" width × 0.022" depth (0.457 mm × 0.558 mm) and 0.022" width × 0.028" depth (0.558 mm × 0.711 mm) were used. The SS archwires of 0.016" width × 0.022" depth (0.406 mm × 0.558 mm), 0.017" width × 0.025" depth (0.431 mm × 0.635 mm), 0.019" width × 0.025" depth (0.482 mm × 0.635 mm) and 0.021" width × 0.025" depth (0.533 mm × 0.635 mm) were engaged in the respective bracket slots. The assembled bracket-archwire Finite Element (FE) models were constructed. The archwire torque, the top, middle and bottom slot deformations (TSD, MSD, BSD) were obtained for the bracket-archwire combinations for various angles of archwire twist using FE Analysis (FEA).

RESULTS

The torque, TSD, MSD and BSD for 30^o twist of 0.016" × 0.022" archwire in 0.018" slot were 28.13 Nmm, 35.71 µm, 21.51 µm and 15.67 µm respectively, and for 0.017" × 0.025" archwire were 50.18 Nmm, 54.52 µm, 32.47 µm and 19.11 µm respectively. Similarly for 0.019" × 0.025" archwire in 0.022" slot and 0.021" × 0.025" archwire in 0.022" slot they were 38.82 Nmm, 50.78 µm, 31.47 µm and 16.82 µm, and 60.22 Nmm, 65.22 µm, 36.44 µm and 22.68 µm respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The slot deformation was present in both 0.018" and 0.022" brackets which increased as the angle of twist increased. The TSD were higher than the MSD and BSD in all the bracket-archwire combinations. We conclude that there is only elastic deformation of bracket slots upto 30^o angle of twist and clinicians could maintain within this torque limits to avoid plastic deformation leading to improper teeth position.

OPTIMUM FORCE SYSTEM FOR EN-MASSE RETRACTION OF SIX MAXILLARY ANTERIOR TEETH IN LABIAL ORTHODONTICS

The orthodontists generally do not recommend application of force system above the archwire level owing to additional attachments and patient’s discomfort. Hence, the present research study focusses on application of retraction force system at the archwire level. The objective of this study is to specify an optimum combination of archwire and bracket slot size for en-masse (simultaneous) parallel retraction of six maxillary anterior teeth in labial orthodontics (LaO). In this research study, the concept (theoretical) model has been developed based on simple principles of mechanics to estimate the torque generated by different sizes of archwire in bracket slots. Based on torque value, retraction force developed by each combination of archwire and slot size was determined and compared with required retraction force of 150 gram-force on each side of sagittal plane. For combination of [Formula: see text] inch stalinless steel SS archwire and 0.022 inch SS bracket slot, magnitude of computed retraction force matched closely with aforementioned required force than other combinations and hence, it is recommended in the present research study. The validation of selected combination of archwire and bracket slot size was done successfully by in vivo (clinical) experimentation on three patients. Thus, it proves that the aforementioned combination of archwire and bracket slot size is more suitable than others for retraction force system applied at archwire level.

A randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch slot orthodontic bracket systems: part 2-quality of treatment

OBJECTIVE

To compare the quality of orthodontic treatment between 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch slot bracket systems.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eligible participants aged 12 years or over were allocated to the 0.018-inch or 0.022-inch slot MBT appliance (3M-Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) using block randomization in groups of 10. Outcome measures included: 1. ABO cast-radiograph evaluation (CR-EVAL), 2. peer assessment rating (PAR) scores, 3. incisor inclination, and 4. patient perception using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need aesthetic component (IOTN AC) and three validated questionnaires before, during and after treatment. Parametric tests [independent samples t-test and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)] and non-parametric tests (chi-square with Fisher's exact tests and Mann-Whitney U-test) assessed differences between groups (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Of the 187 participants randomized (1:1 ratio), 34 withdrew or were excluded (protocol deviations or poor cooperation). There were 77 patients in the 0.018-inch slot group and 76 patients in the 0.022-inch slot group (overall mean age: 19.1 years). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (P > 0.05). The mean total ABO CR-EVAL scores were 34.7 and 34.5; mean percentage PAR score reduction 74.1 per cent and 77.1 per cent; mean change for maxillary incisor inclination 2.9 degrees and 1.6 degrees and for mandibular incisor inclination 2.7 degrees and 1.4 degrees for the 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch groups, respectively. Improvement in patient perception of aesthetics after treatment was statistically significant for both groups (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups for ABO CR-EVAL, percentage PAR score reduction, incisor inclination, and patient perception of treatment (P > 0.05). No adverse events were observed during treatment.

LIMITATIONS

It was impossible to blind clinicians or patients to allocation and oral hygiene and periodontal outcomes were not assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no statistically or clinically significant differences in the quality of occlusal outcomes, incisor inclination and patient perception of treatment between 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch slot bracket systems.

REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 5 March 2014, registration number: NCT02080338.

PROTOCOL

The protocol was published at DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-389.

Coordinating bracket torque and incisor inclination : Part 3: Validity of bracket torque values in achieving norm inclinations

PURPOSE

To analyze common values of bracket torque (Andrews, Roth, MBT, Ricketts) for their validity in achieving incisor inclinations that are considered normal by different cephalometric standards.

METHODS

Using the equations developed in part 1 (eU1_(BOP) = 90° - BT_(U1) - TCA_(U1) + α₁ - α₂ and eL1_(BOP) = 90° - BT_(L1) - TCA_(L1) + β₁ - β₂) (abbreviations see part 1) and the mean values (± SD) obtained as statistical measures in parts 1 and 2 of the study (α₁ and β₁ [1.7° ± 0.7°], α₂ [3.6° ± 0.3°], β₂ [3.2° ± 0.4°], TCA_(U1) [24.6° ± 3.6°] and TCA_(L1) [22.9° ± 4.3°]) expected (= theoretically anticipated) values were calculated for upper and lower incisors (U1 and L1) and compared to targeted (= cephalometric norm) values.

RESULTS

For U1, there was no overlapping between the ranges of expected and targeted values, as the lowest targeted value of (58.3°; Ricketts) was higher than the highest expected value (56.5°; Andrews) relative to the bisected occlusal plane (BOP). Thus all of these torque systems will aim for flatter inclinations than prescribed by any of the norm values. Depending on target values, the various bracket systems fell short by 1.8-5.5° (Andrews), 6.8-10.5° (Roth), 11.8-15.5° (MBT), or 16.8-20.5° (Ricketts). For L1, there was good agreement of the MBT system with the Ricketts and Björk target values (Δ0.1° and Δ-0.8°, respectively), and both the Roth and Ricketts systems came close to the Bergen target value (both Δ2.3°). Depending on target values, the ranges of deviation for L1 were 6.3-13.2° for Andrews (Class II prescription), 2.3°-9.2° for Roth, -3.7 to -3.2° for MBT, and 2.3-9.2° for Ricketts.

CONCLUSIONS

Common values of upper incisor bracket torque do not have acceptable validity in achieving normal incisor inclinations. A careful selection of lower bracket torque may provide satisfactory matching with some of the targeted norm values.

The effect of buccal-lingual slot dimension size on third-order torque response

Introduction

The focus of the presented study was to investigate the effect of buccal-lingual (B-L) orthodontic bracket slot dimension on third-order torque mechanics.

Materials and methods

Three types of orthodontic brackets and two archwire sizes were considered. Ortho Classic H4 (0.026″ B-L slot, passive), Ormco Damon Q (0.028″ B-L slot, passive), and In-Ovation R (0.028″ slot, active) brackets were tested using 0.017″ × 0.025″ and 0.019″ × 0.025″ beta-titanium archwires. An in vitro orthodontic torque simulator (OTS) was used to rotate archwires relative to a single bracket while recording forces and moments in three directions. For each bracket-archwire combination, a total of n = 47 samples were tested. Repeated measures analysis of variance between brackets was conducted for third-order torque values at 3° increments between 9° and 30° during loading and unloading for each archwire size.

Results

Statistically significant differences between H4 and Q brackets were only found for 0.017″ × 0.025″ archwires during loading, and 0.019″ × 0.025″ archwires during unloading. Conversely, differences between H4 and R brackets were found for both archwires during loading and unloading phases. Finally, when using a 0.017″ × 0.025″ archwire the H4 brackets reached the 5 Nmm threshold before R and Q brackets; however, there was little difference found when using a 0.019″ × 0.025″ archwire.

Conclusions

The concept of using a smaller B-L bracket slot dimension in orthodontic treatment showed it may theoretically allow for more options, primarily using smaller archwires to correct third-order rotational misalignments. However, it is suspected that bracket material limitations and added loading on the door currently prevent this from being clinically applicable.

Influence of second-order bracket-archwire misalignments on loads generated during third-order archwire rotation in orthodontic treatment

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of a rotational second-order bracket-archwire misalignment on the loads generated during third-order torque procedures. Specifically, torque in the second- and third-order directions was considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An orthodontic torque simulator (OTS) was used to simulate the third-order torque between Damon Q brackets and 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless steel archwires. Second-order misalignments were introduced in 0.5° increments from a neutral position, 0.0°, up to 3.0° of misalignment. A sample size of 30 brackets was used for each misalignment. The archwire was then rotated in the OTS from its neutral position up to 30° in 3° increments and then unloaded in the same increments. At each position, all forces and torques were recorded. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine if the second-order misalignments significantly affected torque values in the second- and third-order directions.

RESULTS

From statistical analysis of the experimental data, it was found that the only statistically significant differences in third-order torque between a misaligned state and the neutral position occurred for 2.5° and 3.0° of misalignment, with mean differences of 2.54 Nmm and 2.33 Nmm, respectively. In addition, in pairwise comparisons of second-order torque for each misalignment increment, statistical differences were observed in all comparisons except for 0.0° vs 0.5° and 1.5° vs 2.0°.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of a second-order misalignment during third-order torque simulation resulted in statistically significant differences in both second- and third-order torque response; however, the former is arguably clinically insignificant.

Torque efficiency of square and rectangular archwires into 0.018 and 0.022 in. conventional brackets

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the torque efficacy of square and rectangular wires in 0.018- and 0.022-in. conventionally ligated brackets.

METHODS

Brackets of the same prescription were evaluated in both slot dimensions. Identical acrylic resin models of the maxilla were bonded with the brackets and mounted on the Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System. Ten 0.018 × 0.018 in., 0.018 × 0.022 in., and 0.018 × 0.025 in. stainless steel wires were evaluated in the 0.018-in. brackets and ten 0.019 × 0.019 in., 0.019 × 0.025 in., and 0.019 × 0.026 in. stainless steel wires were evaluated in the 0.022-in. brackets. A 15° buccal root torque was gradually applied to the right central incisor bracket, and the moments were recorded at this position. One-way ANOVA was applied for both bracket slot sizes along with post hoc analysis for the various archwire sizes.

RESULTS

The mean measured moments varied between 10.78 and 30.60 Nmm among the assessed wire-and-bracket combinations. Both square and rectangular archwires in the 0.018-in. bracket system exerted statistically significantly higher moments in comparison with their counterparts in the 0.022-in. bracket system. Rectangular archwires exerted statistically significantly higher moments than square archwires, both for the 0.018- and the 0.022-in. bracket system.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectangular archwires seem to be more efficient in torque exertion, especially in 0.018-in. brackets.

Actual versus theoretical torsional play in conventional and self-ligating bracket systems

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the amount of torsional play in 32 commercially available self-ligating and conventional 0·018-inch and 0·022-inch bracket systems in relation to 0·017×0·022-inch and 0·019×0·025-inch stainless steel wires, respectively, and compare the results with the theoretical amount of play for the given bracket/wire combinations.

METHODS

Torque moments were measured in a mechanical force testing system by twisting straight pieces of stainless steel wire seated in the bracket slot in increments of 0·5° until a full torsional expression was registered. Five upper central incisor brackets from each of the 32 different bracket systems were selected for the study.

RESULTS

The result from the laboratory testing clearly showed that wire/slot play was larger than anticipated from the nominal values, especially regarding the 0·022-inch brackets and particularly in relation to the passive self-ligating brackets. The play ranged from 19·8 to 36·1° of play for the most imprecise bracket system.

CONCLUSIONS

The result does not favour the use of self-ligating brackets when focussing on torque control. The actual play is larger due to oversized slots and the inability of self-ligation brackets to press the archwire into the bottom of the slot. In conventional brackets, the initial torque moment is generated by the steel ligatures pressing the arch wire against the bottom of the slot. The oversize of the slot is thus less critical in relation to the conventional than in relation to the passive self-ligation bracket.

Comparative analysis of real and ideal wire-slot play in square and rectangular archwires

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the degree to which the height, width, and cross-section of rectangular and square orthodontic archwires affect the play between the archwires and the bracket slot.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The stated measurements (height and width) of 43 archwires from six different manufacturers were compared with real values obtained using a digital gauge. The curvature (radius) of the edge bevels was also measured to calculate the play within the slot, and this measurement was compared with the ideal value.

RESULTS

The real height and width of the archwires differed from those stated by the manufacturers, falling within the range -6.47% and +5.10%. The curvature of each bevel on each archwire cross-section was shown to differ, and consequently increased the real play between the archwire and slot with respect to the ideal to different degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

The archwire-slot play was greater than the ideal for each archwire considered, inevitably leading to a loss of information within the system.