Abstract
ObjectiveThe goal was to measure and compare the amount of force loss during tooth movement guided by archwires, including a newly introduced low-friction titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), conventional TMA, and stainless steel archwires.MethodsThe force loss was measured using a specialized biomechanical set-up, the orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS). A total of 30 specimen were used (10 low-friction TMA (TMA-Low), 10 conventional TMA (TMA-C), and 10 stainless steel (SS) archwires, each having a dimension of 0.016 × 0.022 inches). The conventional and low friction TMA archwires served as test groups, while the SS archwires served as the control group.ResultsThe mean values of force loss between the three types of wires (TMA‑C, TMA-Low, and SS) were significantly different (p < 0.0001). The highest mean force loss during sliding movement was found in the conventional TMA group (72.1%), followed by low friction TMA (48.8%) and stainless steel wires (33.7%) in a descending order.ConclusionThe friction property of the low friction TMA archwire was superior to the conventional TMA archwire but was still inferior to the stainless steel archwire.
Highlights
Sliding mechanics for orthodontic space closure is a convenient technique that is widely accepted by many orthodontic clinicians
The conventional and low friction titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) archwires served as the test groups, while the stainless steel archwire served as the control group
Descriptive statistics showed that the highest mean of force loss of 72.1% during sliding movement was found in the TMA-C group followed by TMA-Low with 48.8% and Stainless steel (SS) archwires with 33.7% in descending order (Fig. 2, Table 2)
Summary
Sliding mechanics for orthodontic space closure is a convenient technique that is widely accepted by many orthodontic clinicians. Friction is considered a clinical challenge especially if sliding mechanics are utilized and it must be controlled efficiently to ensure optimum orthodontic outcomes [1, 11, 24]. When friction-based mechanics (sliding mechanics) are utilized, a frictional force is generated between the bracket, archwire, and ligature, impeding tooth movement during the retraction phase and transmitting forces to the posterior teeth, negatively affecting the anchorage requirement and resulting in potential loss of anchorage [13]. A percentage of the orthodontic force applied to teeth is lost due to friction when the orthodontic wire slides through the bracket slot and tubes, especially during the space closure stage [21]. The application of heavy forces is nonproductive due to the outcomes of more friction and the risk of anchorage loss [15, 20]
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