Evaluation of cervico-occlusal dimensions of maxillary and mandibular incisor brackets for lingual orthodontics.

AIM The purpose of this study was to analyze the cervico-occlusal dimensions of brackets used in lingual orthodontics for maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors, to compare them with the numbers informed by the manufacturer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The brackets were placed in a template and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), evaluating the images with the aid of a software that allowed determination of reference points, tracing of lines on the bracket images and measurement of the distances. RESULTS Brackets manufactured by Dm Ceosa Hiro, Tecnident PSWb and Dentaurum Magic did not present statistically significant differences between the mean values of slot heights and the values informed by manufacturers. Conversely, the brands Ormco 7th generation, Ormco STb, GAC Innovation L, ORJ-ORG, Tecnident, Ormco STb LSW and Adenta evolution STL exhibited statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION In general, there was a deficiency in the standar-dization of cervico-occlusal measurements of slots of the brackets analyzed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Manufacturers should be attentive to the quality control of their materials. Future studies will analyze the actual clinical influence of these findings on the orthodontic mechanics.