| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0114 |
| Type | bracket |
| Category | bracket |
| Fixed/removable | fixed (lingual) |
| Primary function | anterior lingual short-term orthodontics |
| Manufacturer | Ormco (Dentsply Sirona) |
| Inventors | Giuseppe Scuzzo, Kyoto Takemoto |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
The STb Social 6 is Ormco's lingual bracket system focused on the anterior 6 teeth — the "social six" most visible during smiling. Developed by lingual pioneers Scuzzo and Takemoto, the STb was the first lingual straight-wire bracket and technique. The Social 6 variant applies the full lingual STb system to anterior-only cases, with a 2-wire protocol designed to finish in 6–16 weeks. Because brackets are on the lingual surface, the result is completely invisible from the outside — combining the compliance advantages of fixed braces with the invisibility of lingual placement. No aligner compliance issues, no interruptions to treatment.
Low-profile lingual twin brackets are bonded to the lingual surfaces of the upper and/or lower anterior 6 teeth using indirect bonding. Two sequential wires are used: an initial leveling wire followed by a finishing wire. The 2-wire sequence limits the complexity of movements achievable — these cases are crowding and spacing corrections of the anterior 6 teeth only. Treatment completes in 6–16 weeks for appropriate cases.
Adults with minor-to-moderate anterior crowding or spacing who want invisible fixed treatment; post-orthodontic relapse cases; "touch-up" anterior alignment; patients who dislike removable aligners (compliance issues) but want invisible treatment; cases limited to the social six anterior teeth.
Only anterior teeth — no posterior occlusal correction; 2-wire limitation restricts movement to tipping/leveling; requires lingual bracket placement training; tongue discomfort initially; significant crowding (>3–4 mm) may exceed the Social 6 scope.
to canine)
Indirect bonding trays for STb Social 6 are fabricated by certified labs or the practice's indirect bonding system. Bracket placement on models; tray transfer to patient. Ormco distributes STb brackets.
brackets; used for comprehensive lingual treatment
limited use case
CAD/CAM lingual bracket; step up from STB for comprehensive cases
custom archwires; brackets may be STB or equivalent
system; alternative to STB for comprehensive lingual treatment
Guide](https://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/articles/social-6-lingual.html)
Ormco](https://ormco.com/products/stb-lingual-light-system/stb-social.php)
MedicalExpo](https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/ormco/product-100426-834520.html)
scope, Scuzzo/Takemoto origin, 2-wire protocol.