Q&A: Orthodontics

Opal Bracket

- .018 wire use with
- archwire slot, complete placement in
- auxiliary hooks, placement
- bonding and priming with other products
- cap/hinge durability
- composition
- debonding
- deep bite
- opening cap
- powerchain placement
- primer in hinge
- torque , full expression of
- wear against teeth

Technical Q&A

Can the OPAL BRACKET be used with a .018 wire?
Our bracket is .022 and a doctor can't use .018 "wire progression".  You can use an .018 wire but the "wire sequence" would not work with our bracket.

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How can you tell if the archwire is in the slot of the OPAL BRACKET?
The cap will not close completely with an audible snap unless the wire is fully seated into the archwire slot.

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Where can auxiliary hooks be placed on the OPAL BRACKET?
Place auxiliary hooks in the secondary slot (.018x.018) that the Opal Brackets feature when closed. Hooks are already included on the cuspid brackets. Crimpable hooks can also be used.

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Can any primer and bonding agent be used to bond the OPAL BRACKET?
You must use Ultradent's primer on the pad of the bracket, as it is mechanically and chemically retentive, and neglecting to do so will cause bond failures. For the tooth structure, we highly recommend using our primer and bonding agent (Opal Prime and Opal Bond). If you wish, you may use your current primer and bonding agent as long as it is light cured.

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Will the cap of the OPAL BRACKET break off during opening and closing?
The cap is designed to be stable throughout the treatment with considerations taken for additional opening and closing in conjunction with regular adjustments. We recommend opening the cap 120 degrees or less for optimal performance of the bracket.

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What is the composition of the OPAL BRACKET?
The bracket is made of a polycrystalline polymer that is highly filled with specialty glass. This means that the bracket is durable, yet flexible and highly resistant to staining.

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How does the OPAL BRACKET debond ?
The bracket debonds just as a metal bracket does. Place the debonding pliers against the tooth and against the bracket base. Squeeze the pliers while making careful rotations. Unlike ceramic brackets, the Opal Bracket will not shatter. After removing the bracket, use a periodontal instrument to scrape off any remaining adhesive.

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What happens to OPAL BRACKETS on lower teeth if there is a deep bite?
Unlike other ceramic and metal brackets that can chip or wear the enamel, Opal Brackets can wear when they come in constant contact with the opposing teeth. Bite openers are recommended for initial use to prevent the upper teeth from hitting the lower teeth.

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Can the OPAL BRACKET be opened without the Opal Key?
The Opal Bracket is designed to be opened using the Opal Key. Other instruments can be used to open the bracket, but are not recommended.

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Where does the powerchain go on an OPAL BRACKET?
Powerchains can be used on the Opal Brackets and placed over/around the bracket. They can even be placed in one or both of the arch wire slots before closing the brackets, if preferable.

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What happens if excess primer gets into the opening/closing mechanism of the OPAL BRACKET?
The cap will not open or close properly and may affect the integrity of the bracket.

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Will the OPAL BRACKET display full expression of torque?
Yes, the slot is designed to accept archwires that would allow for full realization and expression of the torque that has been engineered with the slot.

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