VARI SIMPLEX DISCIPLINE

This system which is based on edge wise philosophy was developed and
introduced by Dr. R.G. Wick Alexander. "Vari" refer to the variety of bracket
types used (Twin, lewis and Lang).
"Simplex" refers to the KISS principle (Keep it simple, sir).
In this technique arch wire fabrication is simplified, with first, second,
and third-order effects placed in the bracket instead of bending them into the
arch wires. Arch wires employed are simple which afford fewer arch wire
changes, easier ligation and activation. This discipline rarely employs multi loop
arches. All this adds upto the "Simplex". The term "discipline" was chosen,
rather than "appliance", to reflect the idea that the orthodontist must be
knowledgeable in edge wise mechanics and must play an active role in the
application of the appliance to the individual patient in order that the treatment
may be successful.
Concept of the vari-simplex discipline:
Vari simplex discipline includes a specific bracket system. Brackets are
all pretorqueed, preangulated, and exhibit specified bracket base thickness to
reflect in/out considerations.
The most important factors in determining bracket design in the vari-
simplex discipline are the sizes and shapes of teeth especially mesiodistal width
and curvature. This influences the inter bracket width, which in turn, affects the
ability to rotate the teeth and level the arch without using time consuming
vertical springs, multiloops or additional arch wires. Accessibility of the tooth
and whether it is located in a curved or straight line of the arch. This influences
ease of ligation and the ability to obtain complete bracket engagement. Finally
the design must take into account patient comfort and the frequency at which the
bracket wing breakage may occur.
BRACKET TYPES USED IN THE VARI-SIMPLEX DISCIPLINE:
Twin Brackets:
- Used on large, flat surfaced teeth - maxillary central and lateral incisors.

- Brackets were constructed in a rhomboid design so that the inferior border

(bracket edge) is parallel to incisal edge of the tooth, while concurrently the
mesial and distal bracket borders can be aligned parallel to the long axis of
the crown of the tooth.
- Advantage is these brackets permit full arch wire engagement.
- During the period of maxillary cuspid emergence, they some times remain
high relative to the normal position of the lateral incisors, presenting a
significant vertical inter-bracket discrepancy. Twin brackets provide
additional tie wings for easy initial arch wire placement on lateral
incisors.
- Twin brackets also provide additional handles for placing power chains
and for ligating other teeth together.
- A final factor is patient comfort as twin brackets are smooth and minimize
irritation of the labial tissue.
Lang brackets:
- Were invented by Dr. Howard Lang.
- Used on the round surfaced teeth at the comers of the arch maxillary and
mandibular cuspids.
1

- It is a single bracket with flat rotational control wings, each

containing a circular hole. This hole increases the flexibility of the wing
and could be used for ligation. Alexander changed the design of the long
wing from the original by using a stiffer metal for the wings, hole is
smaller and close to the base of the bracket.
- When Steiner or Lewis brackets were used on the cuspids, complete
placement of arch wire into the slot was more difficult to achieve, and
 When tied into the base of the bracket slot the wire is deformed, as the
edge of the wings will impinge on the wire. This action can cause
anticipated treatment consequences such as expansion in the posterior
segments.
- The Lang bracket is wedge shaped in profile.
- As a result when the bracket is seated properly on the tooth the
,
Distance between the tooth and the gingival edge or the bracket tie
Wing is greater than the distance from the tooth and the occlusal edge of
the bracket tie wing. This makes ligation simple and patient comfort is
improved.
Lewis bracket:
- Are selected for large, round surfaced teeth that are not in the curve of the
arch, the maxillary and mandibular bicuspids.
- They are also chosen for small flat surfaced teeth like mandibular
Incisors.
- The Lewis bracket is a fixed wing single bracket with built in labial
Curvature of the rotation wings. This in tends to provide a three point
Contact for the arch wire.
- Bracket designed in a wedge shaped profile.
- Produces excellent inter bracket width.
Other attachment:
- Twin brackets with a convertible sheath are used on maxillary and
mandibular 1st molars.
- The convertible sheath is easily removed when 2nd molars are banded.
Thus the attachment is converted in to a bracket.
Bracket position:
- On flat surfaced teeth it is important to position the brackets in the
mesiodistal centers.
 - On bicuspids and cuspids it is necessary to place the brackets at the crest of
the contour on their buccal surfaces so that the rotating wing will be able
to function optimally.
Bracket height is critical in the design of a fully activated appliance.
Each bracket must be placed in a pre determined position relative to the other
brackets. Incorrect bracket height affects the amount of torque and angulation
directed at each tooth. Bracket height will vary to fit the clinical crown and cusp
tip shape. If incisors have chipped edges or mammelons, they should be
recontoured or the bracket height adjusted before bracket placement.
Bicuspid bracket height forms the basis for all other bracket height
measurements because the clinical crown height of that tooth is so variable.
Normal height is 4.5 mm.
In an open bite case, deviation from the heights would be to intrude the
posteriors and extrude the anterior teeth. Thus the bracket height would be
increased by 0.5 mm for anterior and decreased by 0.5 mm for posteriors.
PRESCRIPTION:
Bracket in-out (first order bends),
- The vari-simplex discipline incorporates a system of inter related,
compensating, bracket base thickness to replace first - order bends or
offsets.
- Maxillary first molar brackets have an offsets built into the tube that will
rotate the tooth 15° mesio buccaly and a similar 5° offsets is built into the
mandibular first molar brackets.
Bracket angulation (Tip or second order bends)
- The main objective being to place the roots to be parallel to each other and
the crowns to be placed in their most esthetic and functional
Position.
 - The brackets with angulation’s are measured to the long axis of the crown
as it simplifies bonding placement and assumes accuracy.
- The mandibular 1 st
molar have a -6° tip build in to promote leveling and to
gain arch length.
Bracket torque (Third - order Bends)
- The torque values of this system are based on torques measure from about
fifty finishing rectangular arch wire (maxillary and mandibular).
- This system is designed such that the best results are achieved when a
0.017 inch 0.025 inch arch wire is used to fill the 0.018 inch bracket
slots.
- Allowing enough play to permit easy arch wire engagement to the base
of the slot which increases comfort.
- The rule of thumb is that 0.001 inch of play equals about 4° of torque
which can be minus or plus.
- Three measurements differ from torques used in other systems in three
major aspects.
- No torque is placed in the mandibular second molar tubes as omega
loops are placed. When this is bent buccally to avoid gingival
impingement and to reduce food trap, the appropriate torque is
automatically placed. If omega loop is not used then appropriate torque
should he placed into the tube.
 - -5° of lingual crown torque or labial root torque is placed in the
mandibular incisors. This was validated by Dr. Dwayne Trammel an
unpublished thesis.