Abstract :
Aim and Objective: To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of the metal brackets slot size from two different manufacturers.
Materials and Methods: A total of 20 upper right first premolar brackets of 0.022-inch slot, 10 each from manufactures (Forestadent and 3M) were divided into 2 groups of 10 brackets each. Stereomicroscope (Inverted Research microscope, ultrascope IX71, IX2 series, Olympus) was used to obtain the images under 40x magnification. Images were taken and transferred to Oct view software (Make 2020, Germany, Version 2:345:117®. System 9B) and the base height and slot depth were measured.
Results: When compared for slot height between the two groups, a statistically significant difference was observed. Forestadent group showed less variation from the mean value when compared with 3M. When compared for slot depth between the two groups, a statistically significant difference was observed. Forestadent group showed less variation when compared with 3M.
Conclusion: The results obtained concluded that, none of the brackets showed the exact dimensions as stated by the manufacturer according to the MBT prescription. There was a considerable difference observed in the manufacturer stated slot dimensions when compared to ideal value. Most errors were seen in slot height and less errors were observed in slot depth.
Keyword :
Slot dimensions, Torque, MBT, SEM, Accuracy, Orthodontic brackets