Evaluation of frictional forces between aesthetic brackets and archwires in wet conditions (An in-vitro study)

Abstract

Frictional resistance occurs whenever sliding happens, negatively impacting treatment outcomes and duration. It is a clinical challenge and must be dealt with efficiently to achieve the best orthodontic results. Aims of this study: compare and evaluate the static frictional forces under the wet condition to mimic the oral environment produced by using a polycrystalline ceramic bracket, monocrystalline ceramic bracket, 0.014 of an inch nickel-titanium (Rhodium coated archwires, and ilusio aesthetic archwires), and 0.019 x 0.025 of an inch stainless steel (Rhodium coated archwires, and ilusio aesthetic archwires). Ninety-six aesthetic brackets (48 monocrystalline and 48 polycrystalline brackets) were used and stored in different incubation media (distilled water and acid challenge); each 16 bracket-archwire combinations were tested 6 times by Instron testing machine under wet conditions. Polycrystalline ceramic brackets combined with 0.014-inch NiTi rhodiumcoated archwires produced significantly low mean static frictional force in an acidic environment. Furthermore, no significant mean static frictional forces difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline ceramic brackets if combined with 0.014 of an inch NiTi ilusio or 0.019 x 0.025 of an inch SS rhodium coated archwires. Conclusion: Coupling polycrystalline ceramic brackets with 0.014 of an inch NiTi rhodium coated rather than ilusio archwires in an acidic environment is advisable. At the same time, it is wise to combine with polycrystalline ceramic brackets the 0.019 x 0.025 of an inch SS ilusio archwires in distilled water rather than to combine with monocrystalline brackets