Applicative Characteristics of a New Zirconia Bracket with Multiple Slots

• Published in: International Journal of Dentistry Vol. 2016; no. 2016; pp. 154 - 161
• Main Authors: Ichikawa, Yuta, Takahashi, Mariko, Tanabe, Satoru, Futaki, Katsuyoshi, Maki, Koutaro, Yamaguchi, Tetsutaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 01-01-2016; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Bond strength; Clinical Study; Insurance agents & brokers; Medical savings accounts; Methods; Morphology; Orthodontics; Pain; Teeth; Wire
• ISSN: 1687-8728; 1687-8736
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/4348325

We have developed a new orthodontic bracket with three slots with lubricative properties on the working surfaces and proposed a new orthodontic treatment system employing 0.012−0.014-inch Ni-Ti arch wires. We recruited 54 patients, of which 27 received treatment with the new zirconia bracket with multiple slots system (M group), and the others received treatment with standard edge-wise appliances (control group [C group]). We compared the (1) tooth movement rate at the early stage of leveling; (2) changes in the dental arch morphology before and after leveling; and (3) pain caused by orthodontic treatment. Student’s t -test was used in all assessments. The tooth movement rate in the maxillomandibular dentition was higher in the M group. The basal arch width, anterior length, and the intercanine width in the maxillary dentition were not significantly different in the two groups; however, the intercanine width in the mandibular dentition was higher in the C group. In assessments of treatment-related pain, the visual analogue pain score was 56.0 mm and 22.6 mm in the C and M groups, respectively. A new zirconia bracket with multiple slots system provided better outcomes with respect to tooth movement rate, treatment period, and postoperative pain, thus indicating its effectiveness over conventional orthodontic systems.