| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0185 |
| Type | component |
| Category | component |
| Fixed/removable | fixed (bonded) |
| Primary function | hold archwire and transfer forces to tooth |
| Uses TADs | no |
The orthodontic bracket is the central element of fixed appliance therapy. Bonded directly to the labial (or lingual) tooth enamel, the bracket contains a rectangular slot (most commonly 0.022" × 0.028") that engages the archwire. The bracket's prescription — the built-in torque, tip, and in-out values specific to each tooth position — is what drives tooth movement. The wire is held in the slot by ligatures (elastic or steel) or by the bracket's self-ligating mechanism. Brackets are available in stainless steel, ceramic (polycrystalline or monocrystalline alumina), and plastic composites.
Force is transferred from the archwire, through the bracket slot, to the tooth. The bracket prescription (built-in torque = labio-lingual inclination; tip = mesio-distal angulation; in-out = thickness for arch form) is specific to each tooth position, allowing three-dimensional tooth movement when the archwire is fully seated. In straight-wire technique, minimal bending is required because the prescription does the work.
All fixed orthodontic therapy; bonded to all teeth requiring correction; specific prescriptions (MBT, Roth, Andrews, Damon, self-ligating) selected by the clinician. The lab does not select bracket prescription — that is the clinician's choice.
clinical history
aesthetic; higher friction
ligatures PowerBar Class II Corrector
common)
Brackets are manufactured products — no lab fabrication. Lab involvement: bonding indirect bonding trays for precision placement Full labial retainer; indirect bonding is used increasingly for lingual cases and for standardization.
Appliances that incorporate this component. ★ = fabricated by Clear Fusion Lab.
Roth, MBT, Andrews prescriptions are the most common
clip mechanism replaces tie-wing ligature
monocrystalline (sapphire) or polycrystalline ceramic
treatment (In-Ovation L)
eBrace) with patient-specific torque and angulation
Ormco](https://www.ormco.com/solutions/brackets/)
AJODO](https://www.ajodo.org)