In the past, bracket positioning in orthodontics is practiced using the same standard for all patients (the brackets are placed at the same distance from the incisal edge or cusp tip, according to a chart). Nowadays, the bracket placement is individualised according to the patient’s needs.
The first step in the process of determining the desired bracket position for an individual patient is to determine how much the maxillary incisors shows at rest. This is so as to place the incisor in the best position when the patient is smiling and in anticipation of the long term effects of ageing. The orthodontist must consider that if smile youthfulness is desired, greater incisor display may be planned in some cases. The relationship of the anterior teeth to the smile arc is also assessed by the orthodontist. Lastly, the amount of gingival display is measured and is compared to the crown height measurement.
