Effect of Surface Texture Molded by a Stainless Steel Mesh on the Invisalign Material Friction Coefficient

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of surface texture mold by stainless steel (SS) mesh on Invisalign material friction coefficient. Materials and methods: Ten kinds of SS mesh were used to mold surface texture on Invisalign material. Experiments were conducted using a zirconia ball that slid against Invisalign material plates with different surface textures. In the experiments, the coefficients of friction under normal loads of 100, 200, and 300 g under dry and artificial saliva conditions were recorded. Results: The coefficient of friction was relative to the pore size and wire diameter of SS mesh. Conclusions: The Invisalign material coefficient can be effectively managed by the surface texture mold by SS mesh.