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Lucid-Lokresearched

Quick facts

FieldValue
IDOA-0108
Typebracket
Categorybracket
Fixed/removablefixed
Primary functionshort-term anterior cosmetic orthodontics
ManufacturerSix Month Smiles
Materialclear/translucent bracket + tooth-colored wire
Periodmodern
Statuscurrent

Overview

Lucid-Lok is the proprietary bracket system used in the Six Month Smiles protocol — a system of short-term orthodontics designed for general dentists (GPs) to offer anterior tooth alignment with a target treatment time of approximately six months. The clear Lucid-Lok brackets are designed for cosmetically focused cases (anterior alignment only), with custom angulations, in-out, and offsets specific to cosmetic anterior cases. Tooth-colored shape-memory NiTi wires provide gentle, consistent forces while maintaining esthetics. Bracket specialists place Lucid-Lok brackets in custom indirect bonding trays, simplifying chairside bonding for GP practitioners.

Clinical & technical

Mechanism of action

Clear twin or single brackets are positioned via custom indirect bonding trays. Tooth-colored NiTi shape-memory wires engage the brackets, delivering gentle, consistent forces to level and align the anterior teeth. The unique arch form provides broad but appropriate arches with minimal need for IPR in short-term cases. Treatment typically uses 2–3 wire stages over 4–6 months. Cosmetic finishing is the goal — posterior occlusion is not addressed.

Indications & case selection

Adults with mild anterior crowding, spacing, or minor relapse seeking cosmetic improvement; cases treatable in 6 months or less; patients who want esthetic brackets and tooth-colored wires; GP dentists seeking a comprehensive short-term ortho system with training and support; cases where posterior occlusion is acceptable and only anterior esthetics need improvement.

Contraindications & limitations

Not for skeletal problems, Class II/III, posterior occlusal correction, or significant crowding requiring extractions; posterior teeth are not addressed — only anterior alignment; if a patient needs comprehensive orthodontic treatment, this system is not appropriate; outcome depends on conservative case selection.

Design & fabrication

Components & materials

Lab fabrication notes

Indirect bonding trays for Lucid-Lok are fabricated by Six Month Smiles-certified bracket placement specialists using the case impressions or scans provided. The doctor bonds the tray chairside. Lab involvement is in the indirect bonding tray, not the brackets themselves.

Common variants & modifications

brackets

FASTBRACES Turbo

MTM Clear Aligner

Common variants & modifications

clinicians

integrated hooks for elastic wear

metal posteriors and lower

Also known as

Sources

Smiles](https://www.6monthsmiles.com/clear-braces)

MedicalExpo](https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/world-bio-tech/product-74544-1197218.html)

Research log

bracket design, indirect bonding tray protocol.