Understanding wire/bracket relationships.

All orthodontists encounter wire/bracket relationships during orthodontic treatment. A knowledge of the forces and moments involved in the different wire/bracket angles that can purposely be introduced by the orthodontist, as well as recognition of those produced by the malocclusion or prescription brackets, affords the opportunity for the orthodontist to recognize or create force systems most helpful in treating various malocclusions. Visual determination of force systems can be very misleading, but an understanding of wire/bracket angles provides the opportunity to purposely create those force systems that will more directly lead to the intended tooth movement.