title: Orthodontic bracket slot dimensions as measured from entire bracket series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To measure the slot dimensions of an entire series of metal orthodontic brackets.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten bracket series approximating five complete sets of brackets each were imaged and measured. Descriptive statistics were generated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Slot dimension varied significantly from series to series as well as within the series themselves. About one-third of the brackets would not accommodate a full-size wire, and 15% to 20% are 0.001 inches or larger than the nominal advertised size.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinician is unlikely to have on hand complete sets (upper and lower 5-5) of ideal brackets and should both expect and be able to be accommodate tooth movement through wire bending in three planes of space to overcome any bracket deficiencies.
authors.affiliation: a  Retired, Midway, Utah.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: b  Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, Mich.
authors.forename: Warren
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.affiliation: c  Private practice, Detroit, Mich.
authors.forename: Hyden
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008422:Materials Testing; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets / Q000145:classification; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D013499:Surface Properties
keywords: Brackets; Mechanics