Finishing consists of managing a number of dental and skeletal factors in the sagittal, vertical and traverse dimensions. Two critical factors that become very important at the end of treatment are bracket placement and the features built in to the pre-adjusted appliance. Pre-adjusted brackets are designed based on values measured at the center of the clinical crown (Andrews). While there are some modifications to this location, in most cases this is the ideal position. After initial placement and leveling, bracket position is greatly enhanced by evaluating for repositioning prior to placement of the larger rectangular steel wires.
The real value of an accurately constructed pre-adjusted appliance becomes most apparent in the finishing stage of treatment, when tip, torque and in-out values have been expressed. The following photos show the settling stage of treatment of a case, after Avex™ appliance values have been expressed with steel rectangular wires.

Settling Stage

Avex™ brackets have been used in the practice since April, 2009. The brackets are constructed using sophisticated computer numerical control technology allowing for very accurate slot dimensions. This has shown to be most helpful in terms of tip and torque control, and in particular, accurate in-out movements. Final photos show excellent three dimensional tooth positioning.

Final Photos