Abstract
BackgroundThe primary objective of this study was to develop a computer-controlled three-dimensional friction measuring system, the orthodontic friction simulator (OFS). A clinically-based in vitro experiment considering wet and dry friction for conventionally and self-ligated brackets is presented to elucidate debate surrounding sliding mechanics and illustrate capabilities of the OFS.MethodsThe OFS was designed and manufactured using sound engineering principles and with the primary concern of being able to measure all forces and moments generated during sliding mechanics. This required the implementation of a six-axis load cell. A variety of translation and rotation stages were also incorporated to allow for precise positioning of the bracket relative to the archwire. Once designed and built, the OFS was then used to compare conventional and self-ligation methods in both the wet and dry state. Damon Q brackets and 0.018″ × 0.025″ stainless steel wires were used for all tests with a sample size of n = 65 for each ligation method. Archwires were pulled at a speed of 0.1 mm/s in 11 increments of 0.1 mm. At each increment, the bracket would be rotated 0.5° resulting in a total archwire travel of 1.1 mm and a second-order bracket angle range of 0°–5°. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine if ligation method and/or addition of moisture effected resulting orthodontic loads.ResultsThe developed equipment for studying orthodontic sliding mechanics was able to measure forces and moments in all three directions; a capability not previously realized in the literature. Additionally, it was found that passive ligation significantly reduced resistance to sliding, P ≤ 0.05, while the dry/wet state did not.ConclusionsThe OFS certainly proved to be an adequate instrument for the scientific evaluation of orthodontic sliding mechanics. It is capable of measuring loads generated in all directions and is a fully automated apparatus allowing for simple and repeatable friction tests to be conducted. Furthermore, the addition of saliva was not found to significantly influence the loads generated during sliding mechanics regardless of ligation method.
Highlights
The primary objective of this study was to develop a computer-controlled three-dimensional friction measuring system, the orthodontic friction simulator (OFS)
Resistance to sliding (RS), or friction, in bracketarchwire interaction is of clinical interest in sliding mechanics
This paper describes the first published apparatus for measuring the complete 3D six components of force and moment (i.e., Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, and Mz) system applied to the bracket during simulated retraction of a canine tooth in an extraction case
Summary
The primary objective of this study was to develop a computer-controlled three-dimensional friction measuring system, the orthodontic friction simulator (OFS). Many studies were conducted on this subject [1,2,3,4,5] This has been partly in response to marketing claims of new orthodontic appliances, interest in friction was present [1] long before these appliances were available. Despite this interest, The complicated frictional interaction, the friction coefficient, between two sliding surfaces cannot be deduced theoretically from first principles of physics. Fathimani et al Progress in Orthodontics (2015) 16:14 biomechanics This model, must be adapted in an ad hoc manner to produce satisfactory results as experimental parameters are not known beforehand. Knowledge of the friction interaction in any specific situation must be obtained by physical experiment
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