December, 2010

A Modified Bracket Positioning Gauge

Drs. Rohan S. Hattarki and  K. M. Keluskar

We have devised a new gauge for the bonding of orthodontic brackets. For the appropriate expression of tip and torque of any given appliance system, accurate bracket placement is very essential. In order to precisely position the brackets during bonding, it is necessary to involve both the vertical and horizontal references.

Most of the brackets positioning gauges are useful in improving the vertical position (occluso- gingival) of the bracket during bonding. In order to ideally position the bracket in the horizontal plane (along the long axis of the tooth) we have modified the bracket positioning gauge in the following way.

1.      The metal ramp which fits into the bracket slot is disengaged from the gauge by removing the screw.(Fig 1)

Fig. 1

2.      A 0.8mm stainless steel wire of 10 mm with a ball end is taken. At 8 mm marking the wire is bent at 90 degrees.(Fig 2)

Fig. 2

3.      The free end of the wire is made into a hook and through this hook the screw of the gauge is passed.(Fig 3)

Fig. 3

4.      The metal ramp is then secured onto the gauge with the screw- wire assembly in such a way that the wire lies in the centre of the metal ramp.(Fig 4)

Fig. 4

This modified bracket positioning gauge which has a vertical extending stainless steel wire can be used to accurately position the bracket along the long axis of the tooth at the time of bonding. (Fig 5) The gauge should be used in conjunction with a panoramic x- ray.

Fig. 5

Advantages-

1.      This simple design helps the practioner to position the bracket accurately in both vertical as well as horizontal reference planes.

2.      Reduces the need for re-positioning of the brackets or giving second order bends in the wire during finishing stages of the treatment.

DR. ROHAN S. HATTARKI. BDS, MDS

Assistant professor

Department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

KLE VK institute of dental sciences

KLE University

Belgaum 590010

India

rohan_h@rediffmail.com

DR. K.M.KELUSKAR. BDS, MDS

PROFESSOR

Department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

KLE VK institute of dental sciences

KLE University

Belgaum 590010

India

Corresponding author

ROHAN S. HATTARKI, BDS, MDS

Assistant professor

Department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

KLE VK institute of dental sciences

KLE University

Belgaum 590010

India

rohanhat@yahoo.co.in