A Comparative Study of the In-Built Torque and Slot Size of MBT Prescription Bracket of Different Manufacturing Companies: A Stereo-Microscopic Study

Abstract

Torque is produced by a twist in an “archwire” that creates a couple when interacted with a “bracket slot.” Depending on the magnitude of the twist, the size of the wire, the built-in torque and the size of the slot, the archwire expresses torsional forces to the teeth. When brackets are manufactured, some variations may inadvertently occur in the dimensions of the bracket slot. Hence this study was done to determine the accuracy of different manufacturer’s dimensions of bracket slots and the built-in torque. Method: Seven upper right central incisor brackets of Mclaughlin Bennet and Trevisi (MBT) prescription with 0.022-inch slot from 5 different manufacturers were taken to assess the accuracy of bracket slot dimensions and built-in torque. A stereomicroscope was used to accurately determine slot dimensions and built-in torque. Results: The results showed that all the bracket slots measured in this study were oversized when compared to the standard value. Dentaurum showed significant difference from the ideal slot size and brackets from JJ Orthodontics and Desires showed highly significance difference from ideal slot size. The mean values for built in torque were less in all the brackets. The brackets from JJ Orthodontics and Desires showed highly significant difference from the ideal built in torque values. Interpretation and Conclusion: The above findings of the study suggest that one should be cautious when choosing a commercially available brand in day to day practice as some of the materials may not fulfill the desired standards.