Variation in bracket slot sizes, ligation methods and prescriptions: UK national survey

Abstract

This study investigated the use of fixed bracket slot sizes, ligation method and prescriptions in the UK using an online survey/questionnaire comprised of seven questions. The questionnaire link along with an explanation of its nature was circulated via the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) to all 978 Specialists in Orthodontics. Two subsequent email reminders were sent to nonresponders. Chi-square analyses determined the statistical differences in the use of bracket slots and prescriptions according to the region of practise and years of experience. The respondents represented 31.2% of the UK specialist orthodontists. Most of the respondents practised in the South of England with experience between 11-30 years. The vast majority of the respondents routinely used brackets with the MBT prescription (81.6%) and 0.022-inch slot size (98.7%), which was statistically significantly higher for all geographical regions and experience levels (P < 0.001). The majority of the respondents reported either 100% or 90% use of conventional brackets when compared to self-ligating brackets. In conclusion, the vast majority of UK specialist orthodontists use conventional ligating MBT prescription brackets with the 0.022-inch slot size. This was primarily because they perceive this combination provides better treatment outcomes, whilst many respondents also indicated they were taught and trained using this combination and that there was not enough evidence to support a change in their clinical practice.

Contemporary Twin Block appliance wear protocols: A survey of UK orthodontists

“…The demographic similarities between participants in our survey when compared to other UK surveys (Chadwick et al, 1998; Perry et al, 2021; Sandler et al, 2019; Yassir et al, 2019) may allow the assumption that the data collected in this survey represents current UK orthodontic opinion.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Effects on Metallic Brackets and Wires: Does It Alter the Temperature and Bonding Efficacy of Orthodontic Devices?

“…The second is used for torsional root moment [1,12]. Concerning wire size, the 0.014″ round section is the most frequently used size in the aligning phase, and a 0.019″ × 0.025″ rectangular shape is the most commonly used dimension for sliding mechanics [1,17,19]. Based on these considerations, these two materials and sizes were tested in the present report.…”

“…On the other hand, transparent removable devices (aligners) have shown excellent clinical results [15], but the lack of an active appliance permanently bonded to the teeth could lead, in some cases, to lower precision in certain movements [16]. For these reasons, stainless steel orthodontic appliances currently remain the golden standard in the majority of orthodontic treatments [17].…”