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What are LightForce Bracket's Slot Specifications?

Lau Jimenez avatar
Written by Lau Jimenez
Updated over 4 months ago

LightForce utilizes a unique manufacturing method and attentive design in the production of our brackets which allow us to provide best-in-class slot accuracy, to the client specific tolerance. The increase in slot accuracy translates to more accurate torque expression and vertical control, as well as faster engagement of the wire due to smaller slot play.

We offer three slot sizes: 0.018", 0.020" and 0.022". All three slot sizes have a slot depth of 0.028" for brackets (5-5) 0.032” for tubes (6s and 7s). Because of the increase in accuracy of slot size and lower slot play, wire-selection should not include wires that are specified at the same width as the slot (e.g. 0.020” x 0.020” wire in an 0.020” slot).

Below is the maximum supported wire diameter for each slot size:

- 0.017" x 0.025" in an 0.018" slot

- 0.019" x 0.025" in an 0.020" slot

- 0.021" x 0.025" in an 0.022" slot

See detailed wire information photos below:

0.018" Slot

  • Maximum supported wire diameter (inches): 0.017”

  • Average Slot Height (inches): 0.0183"

  • Average Slot Play (Degrees): 5.44º (with a 17 x 25 wire)

The following image shows a 17x25 wire in a LightForce 0.018 slot.

018 Slot with 017 wire

0.020 Slot

The 0.020" slot is currently uniquely offered by LightForce Orthodontics. The 0.020" slot was created to allow doctors to achieve greater accuracy and earlier torque engagement while still using the same wire progression as with the 0.022" brackets.

  • Maximum supported wire diameter (inches): 0.019”

  • Average Slot Height (inches): 0.0202"

  • Average Slot Play (Degrees): 4.63º (with a 19 x 25 wire)

The following image shows a 19x25 wire in a LightForce 0.020 slot.

0.022" Slot

  • Maximum Supported Wire Diameter (inches): 0.021”

  • Average Slot Height (inches): 0.0220"

  • Theoretical Slot Play* (Degrees): 2.3º (with a 21 x 25 wire)

*Slot play for the 022 slot is theoretical as empirical measurements have not been conducted yet for this configuration

The following image shows a 21x25 wire in a LightForce 0.022 slot.

For any questions contact our LightForce Customer Support team:

Phone: +1 833-216-2358

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