Metal Mouth Message Board

I have ceramic brackets and was wondering what the slits on the top and the bottom of the bracket are for? The slits are on all of the brackets.

I'm thinking they are not for elastics because aren't the elastics attached to a hook-shape device that I have seen on brackets?

ssfw

Just like on metal brackets, sometimes they criss cross the ligatures. That's the only thing I can think of at the moment. Anyone else have ideas?

KK wrote:ssfw ... I'm confused . ... by slit ... do you mean the wings of the bracket? My ortho calls the four rounded points on each bracket, it's wings, and then there's some brackets that have the piece that sticks up from one wing with a ball on it.

Hi KK,

Sorry for the confusion about the slit - it looks like this: |
but only about 1/8" in height on both the top and the bottom of the bracket - it is located in the middle of the bracket.

thanks,

ssfw

Thanks to all for your posts.

Now another question, if the slits are used for elastics then what are the hooks that I see attached to some brackets on people's braces used for? Is it used for elastics also but used to pull/push the teeth from an angle that the brackets can't do?

thanks,

ssfw

I guess you already have your answer, ssfw, but just to confirm...I am using the slits on my ceramics to anchor my elastics. The assistant said they were less likely to come off if I did that rather than wrap the elastic around the whole ceramic. I also have hooks on my metal lowers for elastics and headgear tubes on my upper brackets, neither of which I am likely to use. Well, definately not the headgear tubes (I double checked on that). I asked a question about them when I was new to this metal mouth lark and was told by a helpful person that sometimes the ortho just uses whatever brackets are available even if he/she doesn't plan to use all the 'attachments' on them during treatment. Well, a long-ish reply to your short question. I hope it helps. Good luck on your journey!

~ Laine