Modified bracket positioning holder.

Sir,

The importance of bracket placement as given by McLaughlin & Bennett with the Preadjusted Appliance system is crucial in achieving optimal orthodontic treatment results, particularly with “straight wire” appliance designs.

There have been many bracket positioning gauges and bracket holding forceps, yet till date there is no such instrument which can be used for positioning the bracket and simultaneously check the vertical accuracy of the bracket with the same instrument.

Here in this instrument we have fixed metallic gauges on to the reverse of bracket holding forcep. These gauges are at four different levels i.e.; 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm and 5mm respectively. Only these measurements were selected as they are the one most often used in clinical practice.

Advantages of using this instrument:

One instrument performing three different purposes, bracket holding and positioning, placing the bracket at desired vertical level and finally adapting bracket to tooth surface [Figures 1–3].

Figure 1

Modified Bracket positioning holder with guages

Figure 3

Checking the height of the bracket with the modified bracket positioning holder

The purpose of changing to different instruments to check for the vertical placement of bracket is eliminated.

Chair side time on each patient is lessened there by increasing the working efficiency of the clinician.

Placing the bracket