Comparative assessment of the accuracy of ceramic orthodontic brackets to 0.022-inch stainless steel slots in orthodontic patients

Abstract

Background: Brackets are the passive components that transfer the force to the teeth by elastomeric chains, springs, and the arch wire. The arch wire placement in a bracket that is pre-adjusted is done to construct three-dimensional forces to move the tooth. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare and assess the accuracy of ceramic orthodontic brackets to 0.022-inch stainless steel slots in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study included a maxillary lateral incisor of the left side where 0.022 MBT American orthodontics (AO) slots as placed with 15 ceramic and 15 stainless steel brackets were placed and divided into 6 groups of 90 subjects. Software analysis was done to assess distal face and base, mesial face and base. Results: For the stainless-steel group, a statistically significant higher slot width was seen for 3M Unitek compared to Ormco and American Orthodontics (AO) slots with p<0.05. Concerning ceramic brackets, higher slot width was seen for American Orthodontics (AO) slots compared to 3M Unitek and Ormco ceramic brackets. This difference was statistically significant with p<0.05. Conclusion: The present study concludes that inaccuracies in dimensions are seen owing to the existing difference between measured values and stated values.