"COATING STAINLESS STEEL AND NICKEL TITANIUM ARCH WIRES WITH ZNO NANOPARTICLES AND DETERMINING THE EFFECT ON FRICTION DURING SLIDING MECHANICS WITH METAL AND CERAMIC BRACKETS" - AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Sliding mechanics is commonly used in fixed mechanotherapy, so it is essential to understand the impact of friction between the brackets and wire so that the proper force can be applied. In this study effect of ZnO coating on friction was compared during sliding mechanics between coated and uncoated SS and NiTi arch wires using metal and ceramic brackets. Material & Method: Eighty 0.19"×0.25" SS and NiTi arch wires with and without ZnO coating were used with SS & ceramic brackets of 0.22 slot. In order to coat ZnO nanoparticles, wires were first stored in ultrasonic bath of ethanol at 30°C for 30 minutes & then transferred to a test tube containing ethanol solution with 0.1 gm ZnO nanoparticle and kept in a waterbath at 80°C for 10 minutes. The bracket-arch wire unit was submitted to mechanical test with an universal testing machine. Descriptive statistical information including mean and standard deviation was calculated by Mann Whitney & Kruskal Wallis Test. Results: There was a significant difference (P value < 0.05 i.e. 0.011) of friction for coated and non coated arch wires, which was less for coated wires. There was significant difference among coated and uncoated wires (p value<0.05 i.e. 0.015 & 0.019) for SS & ceramic brackets, coated wires had less friction. Conclusion: ZnO coating has a positive effect on friction values during sliding mechanics which will enhance tooth movement by applying adequate force, decreasing friction & provide better anchorage control along with optimum biologic tissue response.