A Modified Begg Uprighting Spring for Preadjusted Edgewise Brackets

Although the Begg uprighting spring can be used effectively with preadjusted edgewise brackets,^1,2 the vertical arm of the spring tends to roll mesiodistally because of the interwing space in the horizontal bracket slot (Fig. A^*). Doubling the wire used to create the spring's vertical arm (Fig. B) can prevent such unwanted movement.

Ordinarily, when an uprighting spring made from .014" (.3mm) wire is inserted in the slot of a preadjusted bracket, the interwing distance of about 1mm leaves .7mm of space around the wire, allowing the vertical arm to move mesiodistally when the spring is activated (Fig. C). Doubling the wire increases the width of the vertical arm to about .7mm, leaving only .3mm of space--not enough for the spring to roll (Fig. D). This simple modification maximizes the spring's range of action and thus the effectiveness of the uprighting mechanics.