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What does Variable Torque Mean?
What does Variable Torque Mean?
The brackets of the Damon System are individualized to each tooth. The bracket for the upper right 1 is not the same as the bracket for the upper left 1, or even the upper right 2. EVERY BRACKET IS DIFFERENT! There is also different torque selections available for each tooth as well. There is standard torque brackets, low torque brackets, and high torque brackets. These torques and brackets are what help get the root and crown in the ideal position and create a beautiful smile, along with proper bracket placement of course. Before each patient gets their braces on, their case is discussed in the morning meeting with the doctors and back office team. At that meeting, it will be officially decided what torques will be used for each case and properly charted. If you are unsure of what brackets were used, you can always refer to the treatment plan in each patients chart.
How does variable torque impact patient care/treatment?
How does variable torque impact patient care/treatment?
Torque is accomplished with optimal forces utilizing the normal edgewise archwire sequencing
Finishing is accomplished in less time with greater patient comfort with far less complicated mechanics for the clinician.
Helps maintain play in the mechanical system which facilitates tooth movement in all planes of space
Standard Torque: We use standard torque brackets when we like the position of the tooth and it is upright in an ideal position. This is indicated on the bracket by a blue dot on the door of the bracket (pictured below on the 4's and 5's).
High Torque: High torque brackets are used when the teeth are angled inward and appear dumped. This bracket selection would bring the crown out and tuck the root in. This is indicated on the bracket as a red dot located on the door. (seen on the cuspid below).
Before-Dumped
Before-Dumped
(Needed High torque brackets)
After- Finished Upright
After- Finished Upright
Ideally, when the patient is done with treatment all of their teeth will be upright!
Low torque: When teeth are angled outward and have a flaring appearance, you would use a low torque bracket. Using this type of bracket helps upright the root of the tooth and bring the crown in/root out. This is indicated on the bracket by a green dot on the door (pictured upper 2-2 below)
Low Torque Reversed: There is no such thing as a high torque bracket for the lower 2-2, but in some cases, such as CS4000 springs (severe CL III cases), a high torque bracket is needed to keep the teeth from dumping. In this type of situation we would take a low torque bracket which is -11 degrees and we would reverse the bracket turning it into +11 degrees because standard is +3, which would not be enough for the amount of dumping that occurs with severe CL III and CS4000 springs.
**In the picture below you can see that the lower 2-2 brackets have been placed upside down, with the doors opening up instead of down.**
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