American Journal of ORTHODONTICS

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Clinical applications of the Broussard

auxiliary edgewise bracket
GARFFORD J. BROUSSARD, D.D.S.,”
(‘T,IFFORI) J. BROUSSARD, l).I).S., M.S.D.,’
11. RICHARD BUCK, D.D.S.,“‘ ~ncl
GEORGE J. SHIA, D.D.S.‘”
llowton and Austin. Texas

1 N ITS search for more perfect treatment results, the specialty of orthodontics
has run the gamut of philosophies, techniques, and appliances. At the present
t.ime the labiolingual, twin-wire, light-wire, and edgewise appliances are those
most widely used. In a 1955 survey, prior to the introduction of the light-wir*e
techniques, Germondl found that the edgewise appliance was the most prevalent
at that time, followed by the twin-wire and then the labiolingual appliances.
His study indicated that the edgewise appliance is continuing to gain favor
a,mong the younger orthodontists. This is probably because the majority 01
university graduate and postgraduate training programs devote a part, or all,
of t,heir curriculum to this one technical procedure.
In practice, the chief advantage gained in using the cdgewisc appliance has
been a more effective control over the teeth in all planes of space. This is
especially important in the latter stages of treatment when correct axial in-
clination and proper interdigitation of the teeth are required for ideal occlusion
and arch form. Most orthodontists are in agreement with respect to the grrhat.
importSame of these factors in obtaining better stability, function, and wthdiw
in their completed cases.
The philosophy of moving teeth by the application of mild forces has I~cn
advocated for years by Dr. Joe E. Johnson \vith his twin-arch appliance. In

Presented at the sev.enth annual meeting of the Orthwlont,ic, Etlwation, a11r1 K~~sr>~~~*l~
Foundation, St. Louis, MO., Feb. 24, 1964.
“9183 Katy Rd., Houston, Texas.
’ “415 West 15th St., Austin, Texas.
882 Broz1ssc1rd et al. .4r,r. J. Orthodoatlcn
I~ecei~~he, 1964

1956 Beg@ introduced his concept of light differential forces for tooth move-
merits. Kessling and Jarabak also subscribed to many of Begg’s principles, and
the light-arch-wire technique soon gained widespread acceptance among ortho-
dontists.
In the light-arch-wire techniques greater emphasis has been placed upon
rapid movement of the teeth. The six anterior teeth are usually tilted into the
extraction sites as a group and then uprighted, whereas former conventional
procedures dictated upright retraction of the cuspids initially, followed by
correction of the incisor teeth. Light-wire advocates believe that their method
II~OV~S the teeth more easily, lessens arch-wire changes, and thus shortens
treatment time.
The bracket design for these light-wire techniques, especially Begg’s, is
generally the modified ribbon-arch type which permits a tooth to be freely tipped
mesiodistallp. In this manner, only a one-point contact is created between the
arch wire and the tooth, and the frictional force of the wire on the bracket is
kept minimal. Since these light-wire techniques involve the principle of rapidly
tipping the crowns of the teeth and then uprighting them, a small-gauge round
wire (0.012, 0.014, or 0.016 inch), is usually employed, because this establishes
the one-point contact of the arch wire to the teeth being moved, which is
essential to prevent any binding between the arch wire and the brackets.
However, this reduced contact of the arch wire to the bracket, which is so
necessary to facilitate the tilting action on the teeth, often results in loss of posi-
tive control over individual teeth. As this occurs, rotations, disharmony of the
arches, faulty alignment, and poor axial inclinations sometimes result. Without
doubt, the modified ribbon-arch bracket has several limitations, especially in
the stage of treatment when torque control and uprighting movements must be
performed.
To counteract these undesirable tendencies, variations of the light-wire
techniques hare been developed. Dimond3 describes the use of the Victory
bracket, designed for the Universal technique, to facilitate the mesiodistal
uprighting of the teeth. The Victory bracket contains an incisal slot which is
helpful in the uprighting stages and which Dimond employs to simulate the
‘‘built-in accuracy ’’ of the angulated edgewise brackets.
Stoner,4 in his article on force control, was reluctant to dispense with the
edgewise mechanism for fear of losing tooth-bracket control at certain stages
of treatment. Yet he recognized the many advantages of the multiple-loop
light-wire techniques, especially in the rapid movement of teeth by gentle force.
He therefore introduced various designs of multiple loops, for round and
rectangular arches, in order to control better “the degree, distribution, direction,
and duration’ ’ of his forces. Wit,h these variations, Stoner believed that the
positive control of force, in all three planes of space, could be attained.
Jarabak5 also has devised a variation of the edgewise mechanism by ada,pting
high-resiliency light wires to the Tweed principles. He utilizes angulated edge-
\vise brackets on the posterior teeth t,o produce first- and second-order mechanics
with light continuous forces. Recently, JarabakG has introduced a longer,
modified edgewise bracket for use on the anterior teeth. This bracket has a
vertical slot, at each end, which is helpful in controlling the multiple looyS, il!
torque control, and in rotational movements of the anterior teeth.
One undesirable aspect of the light-wire technique and of these variations
of the edgewise technique is that the majorit>- of them involre the principle o 1
handing the activating force into the main arch wire to produce the various
tooth movements. There are several important objections to this application 01
multiple loops, since the main arch wire is thtxn composed of a scrims of brok(lll
archc~. In addition, the multiple loops are sometimes difficult to l~end, and th(‘!
a~‘(’cumbe~~someand often complicated when arranged in a series. lmpiugc~nler~l
ot’ the loops on the gingiva, lips, or cheeks is not un(~ommon.
Thrsc multiple loops, incorporated into the main arch I\-ire as the activating
fowr~ ol’~cn produce a counterforce or opposing fork, which is generally 11nd~
sirnhlc. This concept is best summarized by Srwton’s third law of motion -whic+IS.
in cssen~, states that *‘to every action, there is an equal ;~d opposite reaction.”
ln mnn~ instances the action of this counterl’orct> pi~oduc~essuch complical~iol~s
21s10~s of control which, in turn, results in ;I loss of hi~rnloll>- ant1 ~>~~metl’\~
within the arch or between bot.11 arches.
Another consideration in most light-wire p~oceduws is that the main arch
wire functions as the activating force and also as the guiding influence lo
bring the nlalposed teeth under control. Such iin arrangement often results
in a crimping of the light, resilient main arc11 wire, since it must perforlrl
this dual role. The resulting deformation necessitates repeated arch wire W-
placements, or adjustments, in an attempt to continue the regulation and con-
trol desired from the main arch wire. Also, when the multiple loops are Cash-
ioned in a round main arch wire, this type (Jf arch wire may rotato and biml
in a section of the brackets or sheath front the counterforce action, resulting
in loss of effective control.
Some operators resort to heavier-gauge mire, or even rectangular wire, in
an effort. to prevent. this arch distortion. If a. rectangular arch mire is used
with the multiple loops or activating bends incorporated into it, the operator
will often find it laborious to bend and shape this hea\-y Cre; also, it may 1~11
difficult to seat this properly into the brackets.
IIowever, many operators prefer rectangular wire at certain stages c)i’
treatment, and yet it cannot be used with the Begg appliance and some gjf’
the other light-wire brackets. In an effort to combine the most desirable I’eil-
tures of each appliance, the Broussard auxiliary edgewise bracket was developed.
This is a conventional bracket in the sense that it has the regular edgewise
channel of either 0.022 by 0.028 or 0.018 by 0.025 inch. However, its c3istirrc-
tion lies in the closed, rectangular, vert,ieal slot, 0.018 by 0.046 inch, whi&
is formrd when the bracket is welded onto the band material. This vertical
slot is positioned directly behind the horizontal edgewise channel, but ii is
an integral part of the bracket itself.
The principles associated with the use of this bracket do not constitutcl
a new philosophical approach to treatment; rather, they represent a modifi-
cation of existing treatment procedures. An attempt has been made to develop
a simplified way of individualized tooth movements whereby anchorage ccm-
 trol is less likely to be jeopardized. This refinement consists of an auxiliary
edgewise bracket which can be used interchangeably between light-wire and
edgewise techniques, depending on the phase of treatment and the auxiliaq-
springs employed.
An auxiliary spring can be made from 0.014, 0.016, or 0.018 inch round
wire, and part of it must be doubled on itself to form a vertical post which
can then be fitted into the vertical slot. There are various auxiliary springs
and attachments incorporating this vertical-post principle which are inserted
into the vertical slot and which are designed to work in conjunction with this
improved bracket. These auxiliaries consist of springs or loops of various de-
signs, including uprighting springs, cuspid-retractor springs, ‘+ T ’’ springs,
opening and closing loop springs, aligning springs, and others.
With the use of this modified edgewise bracket, two force systems can
work simultaneously; the main arch wire complements the action of the auxil-
iary arches and springs, producing a “synergistic effect.” First, the ideal
main arch wire, either round or rectangular, establishes or preserves the har-
mony, symmetry, and arch coordination; second, the main arch wire is a rigid
guide wire toward which the malposed teeth are directed into proper align-
ment under the force control of the auxiliary attachments.
When the doubled-wire post of the auxiliary spring is inserted into the
vertical slot of the bracket, and when this spring is activated in a specified man-
ner, the auxiliary segmented arch can then produce a controlled movement
of the individual tooth in any desired plane of space, even when round main
arch wires are used.
In the routine use of this combination, the ideal main arch wire is ligated
into the edgewise channels of only those brackets which are passive to it, and
thus no crimping of the main arch wire occurs. The malposed teeth are brought
to the ideal main arch wire, or trolleyed along it, under the guidance of the
auxiliary attachments which are inserted into the vertical slots of the affected
teeth. It is these auxiliary segmented arches, and not the main arch wire, which
are activated, and they provide the force to guide the movements of malposed
teeth into their correct positions. If used properly, there should be no crimp-
ing of the main arch wire, and thus no loss of resiliency would occur. For this
reason, the main arch wire need not be replaced for long periods of time, as
it will remain ideal in shape. With the continued use of an ideal main arch
wire, the molar anchorage remains better supported. This passive arch wire
will continue to establish the anchorage in the posterior region while simul-
taneously combining harmony within the arches because of the light or dif-
ferential forces being exerted by. these auxiliaries. The auxiliaries may be ac-
tivated periodically, as necessary, to continue their individual movements on
any tooth or groups of teeth. Thus, when this revised bracket is used, the teeth
are controlled in all planes of space by the main arch wire, by the doubled-
wire post of the auxiliary which fits snugly into the closed rectangular channel
of the vertical slot, and also by the lock loop which is engaged around the
main arch wire. In this manner, the operator can conserve anchorage, produce
more rapid tooth movement, and cause less discomfort to the patient.
 Other similar types of vertical slot brackets which are not related to the
Broussard auxiliary edgewise bracket in any way have been introduced. liow-
ever, thcsc other brackets incorporate either a square or round vertical slot,
and this type of slot will not work in conjunction with a doubled-wire Ilost
and our type of auxiliary attachments which are essential for force cont,rol.
This precisioned fitting of the post to t,he slot is not possible when a single
uirc is used as a post, for in this instance the tooth can pivot, around the post.
csausing loss of control. Also, a single wire as a post cannot have a lock 100~
which, when present, tends to furnish additional control over the t,ooth beirlg
moved. It is the rectangular, vertical slot of the Broussard bracket, which is
absolutely necessary if an auxiliary attachment is to be used in combination
with it, and this closed rectangular dimension is of crit.ical tolerance.
If the operabor does not choose to employ the vertical-slot principle of thih
bracket, he still has the option of treating the patient in his customary mannttl>
by losing the standard edgewise horizontal channel. However, should the necci
arise, any toot,h or groups of teeth may be engaged wit,h an auxiliary inserteci
in the vertical slot to produce a desired movement,. After t,his required movc-
ment has been accomplished, the auxilia.ry segmented arch can be rcmovc~I
without disturbing the main arch wire, and then the routine procedure ma>
bc continued. Thus, to apply these adaptations, the operator need not abandon
his traditional concept of edgewise treatment which has been developrd throug,rll
years of practice.
This facility to treat select,ively one tooth or a group of teeth without
major arch wire changes for each procedure can result in a marked increase
in operator efficiency. This factor, in turn, makes possible fewer visits by tllc
patient, and a shorter treatment time. Associat,ed wit,h t,hese advantages is tbc
ability to treat an increased number of patients, with greater versatility, IO
solve the many problems which arise so often in our work. Although our methocis
are designed mainly for the edgewise mechanism, advocates of the labiolingmll
and twin-arch appliances may also find applications for their use.

THE BROUSSARD BRACKET AND AUXILIARY .iTTACHMENTS

The narrow Broussard bracket (Fig. 1) is approximately 2 mm. in mrsio-

distal dimension, and it can be used where anchorage loss is indicat,ed or whcrc
tipping of the teeth is desirable. This is made possible because of the propcrt~.
of the narrow bracket to engage the main arch n-ire without excessive hindittg.
This bracket is also employed routinrl>- on narrow tcet.h> such as mtlntlihuiar*
incisors and small maxillary lateral incisors.
The wide Broussard bracket (Fig. 2) is 2.5 mm. in mesiodistal dimension!
and it is generally used on cuspids and premolars when these teeth must, bc
maintained upright or moved bodily. It is also placcltl routinely on maxillary
ccnt,ral incisors.
If the first molar does not carry the buecal tube, it should have either a
wide bracket, or a Siamese bracket. The Siamese brackets are designed in 3 mm.
(mediunl) and 3.5 mm. (wide) widths (Fig. X\. A Siamese bracket, (Ban hr
886 Bwu,ssard

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 1. The narrow Broussard auxiliary edgewise bracket.

Fig. 2. The wide Broussard auxiliary edgewise bracket.
Fig. 3. Siamese Broussard auxiliary edgewise bracket, 3.5 mm. wide.

Fig. 4. A, Broussard auxiliary edgewise buccal tulle. K, Side virw showing vertical slot when
tube is attached to band.

used on any tooth where more force control and rotational control are desired.
The horizontal channel of the narrow, wide, or Siamese Broussard brackets
is made in 0.018 by 0.025 or 0.022 by 0.028 inch dimensions.

THE BROUSSARD AUXILIARY EDGEWISE BUCCAL TUBE

This is a conventional buccal tube of 0.018 by 0.025 or 0.022 by 0.028 inch in-
side dimension, which also creates a rectangular vertical slot when it is attached
to the band (Fig. 4, A and B) .
 This rectangular 0.018 by 0.046 inch vertical slot of the buccal tube ma;!
be used in conjunction with the vertical slots of the other tooth brackets, 01’
it may be used independently. For example, in many instances it may 1~.
necessary to upright a mesially tipped molar. To produce this movement. a11
uprighting spring may be engaged in the \~c~rtic~alslot of the molar I)\\V(4iLl
t 11hr. The lc\er arm of this auxiliary would c~ncl in il lock loop which IYOI~I~/
attwh anteriorly onto the main arch wiw. This is a rc~lativc$- simpl(~ mchtho(
of c*otx&np the axial inclination of a tipp<acl ~r~ol;~t~.

In attaching the bracket in position onto thcl band, the welding flangtb’
of the bracket, only should be tacked, since welding over the vertical slot x-ill
rcbsult in a partial collapse of the vertical slot ~~11. The welding flanges aus
precurved slightly to fit the normal contours of the tooth. Sometimes, howe\er,
where the tooth has a marked buccal convexity, the bracket must be contonrc~l
additionally before being attached to the band. This prevents distortion ol’
the band during the welding procedure and during subsequent fitting to tlrf>
tooth. It is of the utmost importance to maintain the opening of the vertical
slot during the welding and cementing procedures. Otherwise, difficulty wj I1
be encountered when the operator attempts to insert an auxiliary into thct
vertical slot.
To prevent any closure of t,he \-erGal slot, a brass inseyt (Fig. 511 0.0 175
by 0.043 inch, bent into a right angle, is placed into the slot prior to c*cmerl-

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 5. Three vic\vs of brass insert.

Fig. 6. Views of brass insert in vertical slot.
888 Bwussard et al.

tation of the band, This insert must pass freely in the incisal-to-gingival di-
rection (Fig. 6), with the right-angle bend acting as a st,op on the incisal
aspect of the bracket wing. L)uring cementation, the insert will not interfere with
burnishing of the band or with attainment of the correct bracket position.
After hardening, the cement should be first removed in order to free the in-
sert. Then narrow-beak pliers are used to begin removal of the insert from the
vertical slot. One beak of the pliers is positioned under the brass insert where
it protrudes through the slot; the other beak is placed on top of the bracket
wing, but not on the right-angle portion of the insert. As t.he beaks are brought
together, the insert is lifted partly out of the slot and its removal completed
by means of a sickle scaler, or bot.h plier beaks can be applied directly to the
right angle of the insert to tease it gently from the slot once it has been partly
loosened.

LOCATION OF THE BRACKET

The positioning of the bracket depends upon the individual preference of

the operator. Some orthodontists would choose a more gingival position, while
others would want the bracket to be closer to the occlusal surface. However,
when the bracket is placed as close to the gingival aspect as possible, better
root movements can be produced. In the molar teeth, the buccal tube (or bracket)
should be attached as far mesially as possible. This counteracts the tendency
of the molar to rotate lingually at its mesial border. The bracket is positioned
so as to bisect the long axis of the tooth; however, if the operator prefers, the
bracket may be given a slight angulation toward an extraction space. This
angulation facilitates paralleling of the roots after the space closure has been
completed. In all first-premolar extraction cases the bracket is placed toward
the distal surface of the cuspid and toward the mesial surface of the premolar
to prevent undesirable rotations. On the lingual surface of the banded maxil-
lary molars, it is customary to weld a cross-elastic hook to correct any molar
cross-bites that may be present.

DESCRIPTION OF AUXILIBRY ATTACHMENTS

‘C 7,
T SPRINGS. The essential parts of the “T ” springs consist of a round
wire whose middle section is compressed together to form a vertical post ap-
proximately 3 mm. in length with extension arms approximately 5 mm. in total
length which end in lock loops (Fig. 7). They are made of 0.014, 0.016, or 0.018
inch heat-treated wire. The vertical post is inserted into the rectangular slot
of the bracket, the lock loops are encircled around the main arch wire, and thus
the affected tooth is brought to final positioning when the main arch wire enters
the horizontal channel of the bracket.
‘‘T ” springs are used to rotate teeth, to move bucally or lingually mal-
posed teeth into arch alignment, to elevate or depress a tooth, or to hold the
main arch wire in position during the various stages of treatment if a ligature
tie is not desired. The arms of the spring may be of various lengths (Fig. 8),
depending upon the distance which the tooth must be moved or the amount of
force required to bring about arch-wire engagement.
 Fig.

Fig. 8.

Fig. 7. Nomenclature of “T” spring; encirclement of lock loop; final positioniw.

Fig. 8. Parious arm length designs of “T ” springs.

In seating this auxiliary, the operator grasps the arm of the “T” spring
with the beaks of narrow, serrated, or How pliers; mores the spring to position
over the vertical slot, and, using finger pressure, pushes the post into the vc~i-
cal slot of the bracket. A blunt No. 23 explorer is next used to snap the a~
into position (Fig. ‘7)) thus engaging each lock loop around the main nrvh
wire. h’o ligature tie is then required.
In the case of a se\rerely rotated or displaced tooth, engagement of ht)th
lock loops around t,he main arch wire might cause permanent deformation in
a working arm. In such an instance, a ligature may be tied initially from Ih(!
arch wire t>o the most displaced lock loop (E’ig. 9, ~1). At the next visit, it, will
usually be possible to engage this lock loop directly around the main iIl.cll \~il*v
without, any “set” occurring in the wire (Fig. 9,B).
If a malposed tooth is positioned markedly to the lingual side, the working
arms are lengthened to obtain engagement of the lock loops, thereby producinfz
a gentler movement, reducing the forces applied, and increasing the range of
activity of the spring. For example, if the latmal incisors are blocked to the
lingual side, a modified “T ” spring can be used to move them forward t,o the
main arch wire as the cuspids are being rrtracted. This anterior force on td~e
 A.

Fig. 9. A, Ligat ,ure tic:s from both lock loops to main arch wire. B, >omplete (mgag ,ement
of ‘‘T ?I spring aft ;er 6 weeks.

Fig. 10. Nomenclature of cuspid retractor.

lateral incisors also aids the cuspid retractors in their movements. Thus, in
this instance, a malposed tooth is used to move a malposed tooth. At the same
time, the main arch wire remains uncrimped and can function to maintain the
harmony and balance on both sides of the arch.
THE CUSPID RETRACTOR. The cuspid retractor is most often made from
0.014, 0.016, or 0.018 inch light wire, heat-treated. It consists of a lock loop,
vertical post, closing loop with helical coil, molar arm, and molar lock. The
legs of the helical closing loop should be approximately 6 m m . long. These
’ features reduce the force exerted on. the teeth, increase the range of activity,
and provide for gentler movement (Fig. 10).
In forming this auxiliary, the operator bends the vertical post first and
 Fig. 11.

Fig. 10.

Fig. 11. Marking molar arm in forming cuspid retractor.

Fig. 12. Molar lock hooked around buccal tube first, then vertical post pressed into slot.

then the helical closing loop. The molar lock and the lock loop are incorporated
later after their positions are measured in the mouth.
In placing the cuspid retractor, one should put the vertical post into the
vertical slot of the cuspid bracket, mark the molar arm at the center of the
buccal tube, and then remove the retractor from the mouth (Fig. 11). At this
point the molar lock is bent into the molar arm. The lock loop is then bent
into the mesial arm of the retractor so that it will enga.ge the main arch wire
in front of the cuspid bracket. In seating the cuspid retract,or, the operator
must hook the molar lock around the distal extension of the buccal tube first,
then hold the retractor between the vertical post and the closing loop with a
pair of narrow, serrated, or How pliers, move the vertical post over the bracket
slot, and press into position with the finger or pliers (Fig. 12). This engagc-
ment serves to activate the helical closing loop. A blunt No. 23 explorer is thc‘n
used to complete the encirclement of the lock loop around the main arch wise.
This retractor should be seated from the occlusal direction, with the vertical
post and helical closing loop pointed toward the gingival aspect.
In moving the cuspid tooth into an extraction space, an 0.014 inch cuspid-
retractor wire will produce a slight tipping of the crown with rapid movement
and minimal loss of molar anchorage. It is desirable to keep the cuspid in an
upright position as much as possible. In actual practice, however, the cuspid
is slightly tipped distally. The cuspid retractor exerts a gentle force on the
cuspid while it is being trolleyed along the main arch wire which, being ideal
in shape, is simultaneously preserving the harmony from one side of the arch
to the other (Fig. 13, A and B) .
After the cuspid crown has been retracted sufficiently, it is easier sub&se-
quently to move the root distally by means of an uprighting spring, and thus
 A.

n.

Fig. 13. 8, Upper cuspid retraction after 4 woks. 11, Cuspid retraction completed after 12
weeks, showing harmony and symmetry of arch form.

Fig. 14. Angulation of vertical post in direction of desired root movement.

Fig. 15. Cuspid-retractor closing loop positioned buccal to main arch wire for rotation.
Fig. 16. Cuspid-retractor closing loop positioned lingual to main arch wire for normal
retraction.
Volume 50 Bruussard auxiliary edgewise bracket 893
Nwnzher 12

the tooth is brought into its correct axial inclination. This movement can als(g
be effected by using the cuspid retractor, activated, but. wit.h the lock 100ll
cut off and with the vertical post angled slightly in the direction of the desirwi
movement, (Fig. 14).
Cpon activation of this modified cuspid retractor, root movement may 1)~‘
obtained at the same time that t,he distal thrust is being excrt,ed against tll(’
crown, because of the force from the activated helical closing loop.
In activation the cuspid-retractor legs arc crossed; the further apart tllt&
legs of the helical loop are crossed, the greater the force and the longer the’
range of activity. An 0.014 inch cuspid retractor, activated 2 or 3 mm. 01’
enough to cross the legs of the helical closing loop, will exert a force of tkppf’o~i-
mately 2 to 3 ounces. This amount of force brings into play Bcgg’s’ hypothesi$
of differential forces and allows the cuspid to mo\-e distally while the postttrioI*
anchorage units remain relatively unstrained.
SCXW crossing of the legs of the helical c&losing loop or the WC! of an 0.016
or 0.018 inch cuspid retract.or will cxcrt an cscessive force, and this greater
force usually results in a loss of posterior anchorage. Thus, a hca\icr cuspi~l
retractor is used when loss of anchorage is desirable. (‘are mustJ be taken not
to use cxcessire forces unless desired, as this way also cause a mcsiolingual I’{#-
tation of the molar anchorage. As a precaution, it is rcconm~trnded that the 01+
erator always reinforce the anchorage units by bendin g a stop into the main arc11
wire or by placing on a tie-back lock which then v-0~1~1 rest tightly against
the buccal tube. The main arch wire should have a mild tip-back bend n~(G;ll
to the buccal tuhc, and a toe-in bend also is suggcstcd to aid in prevt>ntiIlg
molar rotations. As the cuspids arc retracted, wry little tipping occurs in the
cuspids and premolars when the wide bracket has betn used on them. since
this longer bracket maintains these teeth in an upright position and pre\cnl s
their tipping. As the cuspid retractor is activated, the cuspid is trolleyed distally
in nearly its correct axial inclination, since this is being regulated by the 111x-
sign and size of the main arch wire and by the co~~ci amount ot’ Forw cwri Wl
by the helical closing loop. Also, the \-ertical post, being ;I doublr~l wire, fun,+-
Cons to prevent any cuspid rotation.
If the cuspid is already rotated distolingually before treatment begins, tile
helical closing loop is placed buccal to the main arch wire, since this will Pacili-
tate the rotation of the cuspid into its correct relationship as the rctract.ic~n
is occurring (Fig. 15). Thus, rotation and retraction are being carried oilt
simultaneously. If rotation of the cuspid is not dwiwtl, the ht~licitl calosillg
loop is positioned lingual to the tnain arch wire (Fig. 16).
The end of the cuspid retractor which engages the buccal tube must twv+sr
be annealed, since this would reduce the working properties of the wire. :2
lingual offset bend may be placed in front of the molar lock before thta retrac-
t,or is engaged and activated to prevent the distal surface of the molar anchor-
age from rotating buccally. Before the vwtical post is seated into position,
optical pliers may be used if necessary to curve the helical legs in order to
prevent gingival impingement.
894 Broussard et al.

Precautions. The following precautions lrlust be observed:

I. The molar lock should be at least as long as the buccal tube, and no
part of the cuspid retractor should be annealed.
2. When activating the retractor, the operator should engage the molar
lock around the distal extension of the buccal tube first and then pull
forward.
3. When forming the retractor, the operator should bend the helical
closing loop in the same direction as the vertical post.
4. The lock loop should be engaged around the main arch wire mesial
to the cuspid.
5. Excessive forces should not be used or the molar will rotate and
anchorage may be lost.
6. In construction of the helical closing loop, the legs should be op-
posing each other to prevent spreading of the loop in a buccolingual
direction when activated.
7. To reactivate the cuspid retractor, one should remove it from the
mouth, bend a new molar lock mesial to the previous one, and re-
place in position as before.
UPRIGHTING SPRING. The uprighting spring, as its name indicates, is used
to upright teeth that are tipped. This spring also functions to correct the axial
inclinations of individual teeth. This auxiliary is especially useful to help
parallel the roots in the cuspid and premolar teeth adjacent to an extraction
area and also to upright a mesially tipped molar which has drifted forward
into an extraction site.
An uprighting spring may be made of 0.014, 0.016, or 0.018 inch wire,
bent to form a vertical post and continuing into an extension lever arm as
long as is necessary to engage the lock loop around the main arch wire (Fig.
17). The larger the wire used, the greater mill be the root thrust.
For the insertion of this spring, the lever arm is held close to the vertical
post with narrow, serrated pliers. Then the post is placed into the vertical slot
from the gingival direction, and the lever arm is adjusted to an angle which
will produce the desired root movement. Next a blunted No. 23 explorer is
used to encircle the lock loop around the main arch wire. If desired, a helical
coil loop may be bent into the lever arm just distal to the vertical post to lessen

Fig. 17. Nomenclature of uprighting spring.

 Fig.

Fig.

A. R.
Fig. 18. -1. Uprighting spring to correct axial inclination of cuspid.
Fig. 19. .1, Long-arm uprighting spring to cwrrect llosition of upper central
weeks later.

the force and product a longer range of activity of the spring. Before the ilr-
dividual teeth arc uprighted, the spaces between them should bc clostd. tlic
(drowns should be touching, the brackets should be ligated together, and 11:~
cuspid bracket sl~ould be engaged and ligated to the main arch lvirc. The ma~tl
a~~11 wire must be tied hack at the bucc;~l tube and tightened pcriodic%li\-
(E‘igs. 13 and 19).
CI.OSISC;I,OOP SPKISC;. This auxiliary segmented arch is composed of tv o
or more vc~rtiral posts bent into an 0.014, 0.016, or 0.018 inch wire on c4,hrr
side of the closing loop. The main function of the closing loop spring is +o
close a space bctwecn two or more teeth. To accomplish this, a v&ical po+t
is fornlcd and inserted int,o the vertical slot of the first tooth adjacent to tllo
space that, requires closing. A closing loop with a h(~lical coil is next incur-
poratcd into the auxiliary in the region of the spacing. With this segmented
i1rc.h in posit ion, the wirct is then marked about <?mm. short of the nrst \‘(‘I’-
tical s101 and a second vertical post is fashioned into the wire. This p1ncc~111 IV
would bc cant inncd again if a third tooth were spaccvl. IJock loops i11’c I hc,rl
hcnt into both free ends of the wire (Fig. 20, -1).
To activutc this closing loop spring, the operator inserts the end vertical
post into the vertical slot of the first tooth. By means of narrow, serrated pliers,
the second \-ertical post is drawn into position and placed into the next vert icnl
slot. This action will cross the legs of the helical closing loop and activate it.
The lock loops must be engaged around the main arch wire. The tethth on Earth
side oi’ the space will be trolleyed alon, m the main nisch wirf2 until finally tlt~~y
are touching. At this stage, if the axial inclination of these teeth requires cor-
rection, the vertical posts may be angled in the direction of the desired root
movement and reinserted. This reactivates the closing loop and keeps the
crowns together as the roots are being paralleled (Fig. 20, B).
OPENING LOOP SPRING. This a.uxiliary segmented arch is composed of a series
of vertical posts separated by open loops which, when compressed, will exert
an opposing force to open the space between two or more teeth. The principle
of this auxiliary is the opposite of the closing loop spring.
The opening loop spring may be made with 0.011, 0.016, or 0.018 inch wire,
depending on the force required. A vertical post is bent, into the wire, and
this is inserted into the vertical slot. The wire is marked to correspond to the

Fig. 20. A, Formation of closing loop spring lxfom insertion. Vertical post of upper left
lateral incisor angld for root niovcmlmt. 1:. Action of closing loop spring after 4 weeks.

Fig. 21. Action of opening loop spring after 3 weeks.

interdental area, and the first open loop is placed here. The post is rcturncd
to the slot, the open loop is compressed, and the wire is marked W~WC tll(:
second vertical post is needed. This proccdurc is continued unt,il the wwiwl
numhcr of posts and loops arc fashioned into the wire. Once again, the lwk
loops must bc incorporated into both free ends of the wiw. \Vhen this ansilia~~~
is finally seated into position and the lock loops arc encircled around the mait
arch wire, all the open loops that have bwn comprcssctl will cwrt an olwnhlg
forec on the teeth inyolvcd (Fig. 21).

~n(ae the operator has become familiar with the Broussard brackrxt, othr’r
indications for its use will OCCUYto him. For csamplc. a combination open lo(ll)-
“T” spying may be used to mow.? a lingually malpo~d tooth outward to tIl(’
main arch wire while opening space for the blocked-out t,ooth (Fig. 22).
EY~,ET OR sTAmE EFFECT. If a tooth is so\~~rely c~wwdcd out oi’ the iI rc.11,
and if it, is not possible to engage it with an auxiliary, t,hcn a wire ligatur~l 01’
an elastic thread may be passed through thaw \xlrtical slot of the bra&t. Ln
this manner the malpositiontd tooth may lw SYYWYY~to the main arch wi IY
unt,il it is close enough to engage it with a ” T ” spring. which caan t Ilcsn VOID-
plcte its movement into the arch.
This vertical slot can also be utilized to produw rotations when it is liot
dcsirablc to USC a ‘‘T ” sprin g. For this mowwent, a ligature is passed through
the vertical slot and t,hcn tied t,o the mesial or distal bracket xing, tlcpcwling
on the side to\vard which t,hc tooth is to btl rotat,(‘d (Fig. 23)
TORQCE. F’or the apph?ation of a torqnin~ l’orcc, a rectangular main awlr
wire is used with a combination loop mcsial to tlw cnsI)id. The anterior s*bg-
mcnt Of the arch wire, which is mcsial to the cY)I~lhiK~iltioD loop, is formed ab111tt
I mm. shorter than the posterior scgmcnt, rcsnlting in ;I **step-up” in this
portion of the main arch wire. If necessary, additional torque may bc inc+ol*-
poratod into this anterior segment by regular toryuing bends. This toryuing
arch wire is used in the conventional mannrr by ligation in the horizont,al ch;rn-
nels of the brackets. At the same time, this arch wire must bc tied b;Iek, ant1

Fig. 22. Fig. 2.7.

Fig. 22. Comhination open loop-‘( T” spring.
Fig. 2.3. Rotation tie through vertical slot,.
Class II elastics, placed over the combinat,ion loop, must be worn during this
procedure (Fig. 24).
For those orthodontists who prefer torquing with light wire, the torquing
bar as advocated by Begg’ can be used. In this arrangement the auxiliary
torquing bar is secured under the gingival wing of the bracket with the torquing
spurs resting against the labial-gingival surface of the teeth.
Anot.her suggestion for light-wire torque would be the insertion of straight,
vertical torquing posts directly into the vertical slots of the brackets. One or
more affected teeth can be torqued by this light-wire method.

CONCLUSION

An auxiliary edgewise bracket and buccal tube are here introduced to the
profession. With the aid of the vertical-slot principle, which is incorporated
into the bracket and buccal tube, segmented auxiliary arches may be employed
to exert forces on a single tooth or on groups of teeth. The activating force to
move the teeth is not incorporated in the main arch mire, but it is provided
by the auxiliary springs and attachments which then work under the guidance
of the main arch wire to produce definite, controlled tooth movements. In this
manner, the main arch wire remains relatively undistorted and ideal in shape.
The main arch mire is thus used in the conventional horizontal channels of the
brackets to establish harmony, symmetry, and arch coordination while these
auxiliary forces are being exerted. Various clinical applicat,ions of these auxil-
iary forces have been shown.
The foregoing material is presented as another aid to the orthodontist,
whatever his approach to treatment might be. It is not our intention to imply
a superiority of one appliance over another. Either during our orthodontic
Draining or from our clinical practice, we have had occasion to use various
techniques in correcting some of our own orthodontic problems. It is our belief
that the principles shown here can be applied to various techniques, and we
would not be so presumptuous as to claim that there is only one ideal way to
practice orthodontics. We believe that our approach has helped us with many
everyday problems encountered in our offices, and we sincerely hope that others
ma+v find it as useful.
 REFERENCES

1. Germond, Robert C.: A Survey of Current Practice Procedures, AM. J. ORTHOIJONTICS 41:
506-525, 1955.
2. Begg, P. R.: Differential Force in Orthodontic, Treatment, AM. J. ORTIXODONTICS 42:
481.510, 1956.
3. Dimond, Howard D.: Practical Application of Light, Wire Technique, AM. J. ORTIIODWI~ ;j
48: 650-669, 1962.
4. Stoner, Morris K: Force Control in Clinical Practice, AM. J. ORTHODONTICS 46: 163-I hti,
1960.
3. Jaralbak, Joseph R.: DeveIopment of a Treatment Plan in the Light of One’s Concrpt ,~t’
Twatmmt Objectives, AM. J. ORTHODONTICS 46: 481-513, 19tiO.
6. Jarabak, Joseph R.: Denver Summer Meeting for the Bdrancement of Orthodontic l’racii~~c~
and Research, Proceedings of 23rd Annual Meeting, July 31-Aug. 5, 1960, p. 28X.
7. Begg, 1’. R.: Light Arch Wire Technique Employing the Principle of Differential Force,
AM. .J. ORTHOD~KTNX 47: 30.48, 1961.