Bracket
A small attachment bonded to the tooth surface that holds the archwire and transmits orthodontic forces to move teeth.
Full Definition
An orthodontic bracket is a precision-engineered component, typically made from stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic, that is bonded directly to the enamel surface of a tooth. It contains a slot through which the archwire passes, and the slot's dimensions and angulation encode the desired tooth position (prescription). Brackets are the fundamental building blocks of fixed appliance systems. Editors will encounter this term extensively in prescriptions, laboratory instructions, and clinical notes. 'Bracket' should not be confused with 'band', which encircles the tooth.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'bracket' in formal clinical and editorial copy; 'brace' is colloquial and should be reserved for patient-facing materials.
In Context
- "All brackets were placed using the indirect bonding technique." — Clinical procedure note
- "The ceramic brackets were chosen for their aesthetic properties in this adult patient." — Treatment plan