Influence of Four Orthodontic Bracket Prescriptions in Arch Width and Torque

The study compares torque and arch width changes between four different orthodontic bracket prescriptions and determine whether changes in dental torque are correlated to changes in arch width at the end of orthodontic treatment. From an initial sample of 250 patients who sought treatment at the Department of Orthodontics (University of Valencia, Spain), a subsample of 76 patients (31 men and 45 women) were selected to meet inclusion criteria. The sample was randomly allocated into four groups according to four different orthodontic bracket prescriptions: Prescription A (n=22): Mini-Taurus® (Rocky Mountain©); Prescription B (n=17): Smart Clip® SL3 High Torque (3M Unitek©); Prescription C (n=18): Tip-Edge Plus® (TP Orthodontics©); Prescription D (n=19): Victory® (3M Unitek©). Initial (T0) and final (T1) plaster and digital study models were available for all patients. Measurements were taken from frontal and occlusal images of the models by a single experienced operator.