A new bracket system for lingual orthodontic treatment. Part 1: Theoretical background and development.
METHODS
This paper presents a new lingual bracket system differing fundamentally both in design and in manufacturing methods from existing appliances. Using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology, the two normally separate processes of bracket production and bracket positioning are fused into one unit. In this process, the demand for maximum individuality with simultaneously minimized space requirements is put consistently into practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved patient comfort, simplified rebonding in the event of bracket loss, and enhanced finishing precision are the improvements resulting for the course of treatment. In addition, bracket manufacture by a Rapid Prototyping technique permits direct transfer to clinically purposeful further developments.
Wiechmann
Dirk
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Department of Orthodontics, University of Münster, Germany. wiechmann@lingualtechnik.de
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012984:Software; D014059:Tongue