LOWER CANINES

Lower canine tip, angulation, and in-out

The lower canines have -6° torque and +3° angulation. As in the upper, the lower canines are the thinnest brackets in the lower arch, which is important to minimise wire bending. The -6° lower canine bracket is preferred for most cases.

The +6° torque option

It is possible to invert the normal lower canine bracket, giving +6° torque and +3° angulation.

In cases with buccally ectopic canines this is helpful in positioning the root into cancellous bone, reducing the risk of gingival recession or periodontal breakdown.

The zero torque canine bracket

As in the upper arch, a zero torque option is often helpful in premolar extraction cases. This can assist with correction of canine root tip, or bodily retraction of canines, guiding the canine roots into cancellous bone for effective movement.

Left / right switch in some Class III cases

At the end of treatment, most non-surgical Class III cases show dental compensation. The lower incisors tend to be retroclined, the upper incisors proclined, and the lower canines are often tipped a little distally.

We are able to anticipate this in some Class III treatments and can support the mechanics by switching left and right canine brackets. This changes the tip from +3° to -3° and provides the required tip compensation without the need for wire bending. It also reduces anchorage needs in the lower arch.

Upper canines

The lower right canine bracket is shown here without a hook. These are available with hooks if required.

Upper canines

The lower left canine bracket has been inverted to give +6° torque. A zero torque lower canine bracket is also available.

Lower canines

As with the uppers, there are three torque options for the lower canines. The options are used less in the lower arch, but are still important in a few cases. The -6° is the bracket of choice in most cases. (Not to scale).

Lower canines

In some Class III treatments it is helpful to anticipate dental compensation, and to switch left and right canine brackets. This changes the tip from +3° to -3° and reduces anchorage needs in the lower arch.