Tip-Edge® Brackets Can Benefit All Edgewise Techniques Through Variable Anchorage Control

The Tip-Edge bracket features the first and only archwire slot that offers variable control levels. It’s .022" archwire slot can increase in size to .028" relative to the archwire during retraction yet close back down to .022" to facilitate final finishing. Variable control eliminates the excessive anchorage strain and bite deepening that occurs during retraction with conventional edgewise appliances. This in turn allows for far simpler treatment mechanics and much less reliance on extraoral forces.1 Surprisingly, many orthodontists are unaware of this feature and the manner in which it can simplify all edgewise orthodontic techniques. In his latest text Proffit reiterates that the ideal bracket “would provide a variable size archwire slot.” However, he laments that such a bracket has not yet been developed.2