Comparison of accuracy of bracket placement between direct and indirect bonding techniques –An in-vivo study

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of bracket placement between direct and a new indirect bonding technique. Material and Methods: 25 patients requiring upper and lower pre–adjusted edgewise appliances were taken for the study and subjected to a split mouth system of allocation of bracket bonding. The labial aspect of the dentition of each patient were divided into upper and lower segment drawing 50 samples from 25 patients. In each segment, half of the quadrant was bonded with direct bonding technique and the other half of the quadrant was bonded by the new technique of indirect bonding randomly. Bracket placement accuracy was measured in 3 ways, inciso-gingival, mesio-distal and angular measurement. Results: Central Incisor Group: The inciso-gingival and mesio-distal parameter showed a minor statistical significance (p< 0.005) whereas the variation in the group of Angular measurements was comparatively higher (p<0.002). Lateral Incisor Group: The inciso-gingival and mesio-distal parameter showed a minor statistical significance (p<0.005) whereas the variation in the group of Angular measurements was comparatively higher (p< 0.001). Canine Group: The inciso-gingival and mesio-distal parameter showed a minor statistical significance (p<0.005) and (p<0.004) respectively whereas the variation in the group of Angular measurements was comparatively higher (p<0.001). Overall, in all three groups, though there was a statistical difference, it was very minor (fraction of millimetre), however comparatively large error was found in angular measurements. Conclusion: Indirect bonding is more accurate than direct bonding in following aspects: vertical, horizontal and in angulation. The magnitudes of the findings are of clinical relevance.