SPEED Q&A

SELF LIGATION www.speedsystem.com Is Self-Ligation New? Self-Ligating orthodontic appliances have been in existence since the 1930's. Various designs were available on a limited "prototype only", basis between the 1930's and the 1970's. Most designs were never made available commercially due to difficulties in manufacturing and the increased emphasis, put by the profession, on the development of the conventional "tiewing" bracket. In the early 1970's, a self-ligating bracket was made available on a widespread commercial basis. This, along with other designs, prompted increased interest in ligature-less designs. Interest that continues to grow today. The following is a short historical overview. The Ford Bracket - 1933 (Passive) Design Characteristics Circular ring rotated to create rigid outer wall that retained archwire in archwire slot. Ligating member incapable of cooperating with the archwire in corrective tooth movement. Clinical Acceptance This design never gained widespread clinical acceptance. The Boyd Bracket - 1933 (Passive) Design Characteristics “U” shaped member formed a rigid outer wall that retained archwire in archwire slot. Ligating member incapable of cooperating with the archwire in corrective tooth movement. Clinical Acceptance This design never gained widespread clinical acceptance. Edgelok - 1972 (Passive) Design Characteristics Dome shaped component formed a rigid outer wall that retained archwire in archwire slot. Ligating member incapable of cooperating with the archwire in corrective tooth movement. Clinical Acceptance This design was the first self-ligating design to be offered on a widespread commercial basis. After gaining limited acceptance in the mid-1970’s, production of this design was abandoned. The bracket was eventually taken off the market. SPEED - 1980 (Active) Design Characteristics Curved flexible component forms an elastic outer wall that retains archwire in archwire slot. "Super-Elastic Nickel-titanium" ligating member capable of cooperating with the archwire in precise corrective tooth movement. Clinical Acceptance This design was the first self-ligating design to gain widespread clinical acceptance. To date this is the most widely used self-ligating design and interest in this design continues to grow. 1 Archwire Slot Closed Archwire Slot Open Archwire Slot Closed Archwire Slot Open Archwire Slot Closed Archwire Slot Open Archwire Slot Closed Archwire Slot Open

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