Author Description

Bracket placement is one of the most important keys to a successful orthodontic treatment outcome. The need for accurate bracket positioning enhanced after the introduction of the Pre-adjusted Edgewise Appliances (PEA). With the introduction of the PEA brackets, tooth positioning became individualized in all the three planes i.e. horizontal, vertical, and transverse1. In order to get the full expression of a PEA bracket, a precise bracket positioning added to a full size wire would yield a complete expression of the bracket. It is recognized that bracket placement has a profound and definite impact on the expression of first, second and third order tooth movements, thus the importance of accurate bracket placement becomes self-evident. Guidelines for specific bracket placement without an understanding of the implied effect on expressed first, second, and third order tooth movements would be of limited value.