The Edgewise appliance was first described by E. H. Angle in 1925 as a method to achieve his concept of normal occlusion. The Edgewise bracket had a labially facing rectangular slot into which fitted a rectangular arch wire. The four wings of the bracket increased the contact area between the bracket and the arch wire. Both design features worked to increase control over tooth movement.

Angle’s original bracket was made of soft gold with a 0.022” x 0.028” slot but this was easily deformed by the forces used and the use of ligatures. A redesign made the bracket larger with increased space under the wings to make tying ligatures easier. It has since been repeatedly modified with many suppliers designing their own versions of the Edgewise bracket.

The Edgewise system was Angle’s greatest contribution to orthodontics and the philosophy behind the system continues to be used.