Accuracy of in-built tip and effective tip expression capacity of different bracket sets with 19x25 stainless steel arch wire.? A Cross-Sectional Evaluation

Abstract

Introduction: Variability and lack of precision in the bracket’s manufacturing process can reduce the efficacy of the appliance and can therefore, force the clinicians to compensate for any dimensional inaccuracy through wire bending. This in-vivo exploratory investigation aimed to compare the tip values of the brackets from different companies with (MBT prescription) and amount of play (tip) produced by 19x25 stainless steel wire in 0.22 slot metal brackets.

Methodology: 18 pre-adjusted maxillary anterior bracket (3-3) from 3 different companies (A, B and C) were selected through purposive sampling technique and were mounted on modelling wax. Pictures were taken with DSLR (Canon D-600 with 100mm macro lens) camera. Bracket tip and play angles were measured with the help of IC Measure 3.1 software. Student's t-test, compared the tip values of all the maxillary anterior brackets of different manufacturers with the ideal tip values (MBT prescription). One-way ANOVA test and Post Hoc Tuckey test were used to identify and analyze any significant differences between tip and play values of different company bracket sets.

Results: : A statistically significant difference was observed between the ideal values and mean tip values of Company A (bracket# 21, 22, 13) and Company B (bracket # 11, 22) but the mean difference was clinically insignificant. However, Company C shows no significant difference. The (tip) play angles between the wire and bracket from difference companies show a significant difference (P<0.05). However, the difference was clinically insignificant. Also, there was a weak negative co-relation between brackets width and play angles (P=0.191).

Conclusions: This study's findings provide valuable information to the orthodontists, aiding them in making decisions regarding bracket selection for optimal treatment outcomes and also incorporate wire bending wherever necessary to compensate any differences between the claimed and measured tip values of the bracket sets available in market by various manufacturers.