TP Orthodontics, Inc.

Case Studies

Because of its small, single-wing design the Tip-Edge PLUS® Bracket System has plenty of inter-bracket width, allowing engagement of crowded teeth early on and easily in treatment. The vertical slot makes it easy to engage, upright and rotate teeth with spring auxiliaries if needed. Borderline extraction cases can be easily treated as non-extraction cases.

The bracket's unique propeller design allows me to begin correction of my patients' malocclusion using light, two-ounce elastics from the day patients get banded. Whether a Class II, Class III, deep bite, or open bite, I begin correcting from day one when patients are the most motivated to see change happen. Rapid and early correction occurs because the bracket allows the tooth to tip in the direction I want, giving me greater control over the final outcome. Ability to choose which direction I want teeth to move is a great advantage, virtually eliminating any anchorage consideration. In extraction cases it allows front teeth to quickly become uncrowded by tipping distally with no need to hold the upper first molars with a palatal bar. If patients are missing teeth, such as upper lateral incisors, the brackets can be reversed such that posterior teeth tip mesially, to close spaces.

One of the nicest things about the PLUS bracket is the elimination of most bite jumpers, use of strong Class II elastics and headgear to correct Class II malocclusions. The elimination of these appliances reduces overhead, is more comfortable for the patient and simplifies day-to-day practice operations allowing us to see more patients with fewer appointments. Also, emergency visits are reduced when fewer appliances are used. It's a win-win situation for patient and doctor as we see lower overhead and they spend less time in the chair.

Establishing proper tip and torque is an essential goal in the finishing stage of all orthodontic patients. The bracket allows the placement of a full-size Edgewise wire; .0215" x.028" taking full advantage of the Roth prescription. This full-size wire is easily placed; the propeller slot shape actually opens wider than the width of the wire. Torque is expressed by the force generated by a small .014" NiTi acting upon the bracket via a deep tunnel. The .014" NiTi pushes each bracket slot 100% against the .0215" x .028" wire, fully expressing the torque prescription. If torque compensation needs to be made because of an underlying skeletal problem it can easily be added to the .0215" x .028" wire or a .022" round wire can be placed in one or both arches. At this stage, patients are seen every 8 - 12 weeks for 4 - 8 months. This "auto pilot" stage frees up chair time and takes the hassle out of missing school and work for our patients.

Final setting of the occlusion is achieved using .019" x .025" braided wires. The wide inter-bracket width allows easy setting of the occlusion. I also have the ability to place Power Pins in the vertical slots so that finishing elastics can be used.

Case studies are provided by one of our Preferred Orthodontists, Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt. He has achieved optimum treatment results for more than 10 years with Tip-Edge PLUS. Email him your Tip-Edge PLUS treatment questions.

Patient Gallery

Simplified
treatment plans
No need for temporary
anchorage devices

Added patient
comfort
With extremely light
forces, only 1-3 ounces

Automatic
rotational control
Provided by unique
tunnel design

Also available in ceramic
Tip-Edge PLUS Aesthetic Brackets
featuring Personalized
Color-Matching Technology®