Accuracy of Slot Dimension within Sets of Orthodontic Buccal Tubes

• Main Author: Real Figueroa, Sergio Enrique
• Published: NSUWorks 2017
• Subjects: Health and environmental sciences; Dentistry; Orthodontics and Orthodontology
• Online Access: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_cdm_stuetd/73

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the dimensional precision of orthodontic buccal tubes slots from different orthodontic companies using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Methods: Four of the most popular orthodontic companies within the US who manufacture and distribute molar tubes to orthodontists were selected for this study including Opal (Ultradent), Ormco(Damon), American Orthodontics and 3M Unitek. Each company was asked to send 20 molar tubes, 022 slot (.0225 x .0285 inches), which have been manufactured within the past 2 months to be used in this study. We measured the accuracy of individual tube dimensions in relation to their respective company catalogs, as well as document any defects observed within these tubes. Descriptive statistics, means and standard deviations were calculated for all buccal tubes from the four companies and for each wall of the respective tubes. In the first analysis, a 1-way ANOVA with Bonferroni pairwise comparisons was conducted, using a level of significance of 0.05. A box-plot was included to illustrate these variables. In the second analysis, the measurements relating to dimensions of tubes were compared with the acceptable parameters of the .0225 x .0285 inches slot. This comparison was conducted using Fisher's exact test and Cramer's V test (Correlation), using a level of significance of 0.05. Pie charts were used to illustrate the percentiles of tubes with dimensions that fall within the acceptable parameters of .0225 x .0285 slot. Results: All four companies produced slots that were on average over-sized. There was no consistency in meeting the standards of dimensions when comparing each of the four walls for each company. However, a higher percentage of American orthodontics and 3M tubes met the standards of measurement of the occlusal and gingival walls. All tubes were convergent from mesial to distal and lingual to buccal direction. Conclusions: All companies manufactured over-sized tubes.There was no consistency in dimensional accuracy of tubes produced by any of the four companies. All tubes were convergent from mesial to distal and lingual to buccal dimension.