Abstract
ObjectivesTo analyse the sliding resistance of a modern 3D-printed polymer bracket combined with different archwire types and to compare the results with conventionally used polymeric, ceramic and metal brackets. It was of further interest which bracket-archwire combination could be best qualified for clinical use.Materials and methodsThe sliding behaviour was tested using an orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS) for the use of two bracket types of the polymer, ceramic and metal group in combination with a 0.016 inch × 0.022 inch and 0.017 inch × 0.025 inch archwire of nickel-titanium (NiTi), titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) and stainless steel. Six bracket types were combined with six different archwire types and compared to each other.ResultsThe sliding resistance showed significant differences between various the bracket-archwire complexes. The combination of 3D-printed polymer brackets with both steel archwire cross-sections showed the least values of sliding resistance (average 23–29%), while the combination of ceramic brackets with TMA archwires presented the highest (average 47%).ConclusionsThe present study could show that modern 3D-printed bracket materials can have similar or even better mechanical properties than conventional ones regarding sliding resistance. Although the combination of bracket and archwire material is decisive for low sliding resistance values, the selection of the bracket material seems to have a greater influence than the selection of the archwire material or its cross section.Clinical relevanceIt might be possible in future to combine aesthetic and biomechanical requirements for aesthetic brackets by using 3D-printing technology.
Highlights
There are different bracket systems available for the orthodontic treatment with fixed bracket appliances
The comparison of the force loss of the polymer bracket group with them of the ceramic and metal group revealed the smallest values for all bracket-archwire combinations
Regarding the polymer bracket-archwire combinations, it can be stated that the NiTi archwires showed the highest sliding resistance, followed by the titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) and stainless steel archwires with the smallest values
Summary
There are different bracket systems available for the orthodontic treatment with fixed bracket appliances. These are mainly preprogrammed straight-wire brackets made of metal or ceramic which differ e.g. in the ligating method, the material composition or the biomechanical properties. The majority of patients wish to wear aesthetically pleasing bracket materials which help them to feel more comfortable with their appliance or to accept their treatment time. For this reason, many patients wish to be treated with polymer or ceramic brackets. Other studies could demonstrate that lining the ceramic bracket slot with stainless steel, glass or gold materials can reduce the high sliding resistance of
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