Manufacturer tolerance in mesial and distal slot height of 0.022-inch maxillary lateral incisor brackets

Abstract

Introduction: Expression of prescription from the brackets is greatly affected if tolerance is present within the bracket slots. Orthodontist must be well aware of any manufacturer tolerance if they want to achieve desired results in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to measure manufacturer tolerance of lateral incisor brackets from different commercial brands.

Material and Methods: One hundred and forty metallic lateral incisor brackets in 0.022-inch" slot from seven different bracket brands were randomly selected for the study. Leaf gauges were used to measure the slot height in both mesial and distal slot of each bracket. Digital readout of leaf gauges was taken by micrometer. Descriptive statics for bracket slot height were generated and one sample T test was used to evaluate any significant difference in bracket tolerance from acceptable tolerance limit of 0.001". A p value < .05 was taken as significant.

Results: Mean bracket slot height ranges from 0.0233"+ .0008" to 0.0261"+.0016". Slot tolerance was reported in the range of 6 -19%. Except Aria brackets all bracket series show significant difference from acceptable tolerance.

Conclusions: Slot height was increased in most of the bracket series. No bracket was undersized. Slot tolerance was present in all the brackets series which was mostly statistically significant.