The reliability of positioning pre-adjusted brackets: an in vitro study

To investigate the reliability of bracket positioning, twelve operators, familiar with the straight-wire appliance, placed 0.022” straight-wire brackets on the anterior teeth of a typodont study model, on three different occasions. Bracket position was assessed using a Magiscan image analyser. Angular judgements by the operators were found to be less consistently identified than linear assessments. Slot angulation showed the largest variability and vertical bracket placement the least. The clinical implications of bracket misplacement are discussed.