Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Author Spotlight: Insights into an Efficient Murine Maxillary Orthodontic Model Protocol
Published on: October 27, 2023
Orthodontic bracket slot dimensions as measured from entire bracket series
Paul Brown1, Warren Wagner2, Hyden Choi3
1a Retired, Midway, Utah.
Objective:
To measure the slot dimensions of an entire series of metal orthodontic brackets.
Materials And 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.
Conclusion:
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.
