A study for the development of the Korean orthodontic bracket

Chang, Young Il; Yang, Won Sik; Nahm, Dong Seok; Moon, Seong Cheol

Abstract

The aim of this study was development of the Straight-Wire Appliance(SWA) suitable for the treatment of Korean. To accomplish the object of this study, Korean adult with normal occlusion were selected with following criteria: 1) no functional abnormality in the craniofacial area, 2) good dental arch form and posterior occlusal relationship, 3) Angle Class I occlusal relationship, 4) no experience of orthodontic, nor prosthodontic treatment, especially, no dental treatment on labial and buccal surfaces of teeth, 5) good facial profile. Impression were taken for upper and lower dental arches of the selected normal occlusion samples and the orthodontic dental stone models were fabricated. 5 well-trained orthodontists had examined the acquired dental stone models to select study samples which satisfy the Six keys to optimal occlusion of Andrews. 155 pairs of dental stone models (92 pairs of Male, 63 of Female) were finally selected. 3 dimensional digitization were performed with the Coordinate Measuring Machine(CMM, MPC802, WEGU-Messtechnik, Germany) and measuring of Angulation, Inclination, In-and-Out, Molar offset angle and Arch form were accomplished with a measuring software to achieve data for the development of SWA. Before the measurement, error study was performed on the 3 dimensional digitization with CMM, and the analysis of reliability of computerized measuring method adapted in this study and conventional manual method presented by Andrews was performed. Results of this study were as follows: 1. Equi-distance digitization with mesh size 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm were acceptable in 3 dimensional digitization of dental stone model with the CMM, and the digitization with 1.0 mm mesh size was recommendable in terms of efficiency. 2. Computerized measuring method with 3 dimensional digitization was more reliable than manual measuring method of Andrews. 3. Data were collected for the development of SWA suitable for the morphological characteristics of Korean with the computerized measuring method with 3 dimensional digitization.