Mean bracket placement errors were similar with both techniques.

There was no significant difference in the bond failure rates between direct and indirect bonding.

The null hypothesis was confirmed. However, the expansion arch had several advantages that made it a cheap alternative to the quadhelix for crossbite expansion, because it can be made and fitted at the chairside.

There has been a resurgence of interest in the indirect bonding technique for orthodontics. The procedure is not often used in the UK and the reasons for this, as well as the renewal of interest, are explored. A costing exercise suggests that the cost-effectiveness of the technique may be improved by the described Burton technique and, in the light of current manpower considerations, the implications for its use in the future are also discussed.