Evaluation of frictional forces generated by different brackets and orthodontic wires

Abstract

Sliding mechanics is widely used during orthodontic treatment. One of the disadvantages of this mechanics is the friction generated at the bracket/archwire interface, which may reduce the amount of desired orthodontic movement obtained. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the static frictional forces produced by two passive self-ligating brackets stainless-steel and hybrid and two conventional brackets stainless-steel and monocrystal ligated with stainless-steel ligature wire at two degrees of torque(zero and twenty) under dry condition. Materials and method: One hundred and sixty brackets were used in this study divided into four groups each group consisted of forty brackets these are: Two self-ligating (stainless-steel and Hybrid) while the two conventional types are the (stainless-steel and monocrystal).twenty of each group examined with 0.016x0.022archwire, ten at 0˚ torque and ten at 20˚ torque while the other twenty of each group examined with 0.019x0.025, ten at 0˚ torque and ten at 20˚ torque. Results: There was a significant different between all groups except in case when self-ligating brackets (both types) ligated to both wires at 0˚torque there was no significant difference. Conclusions: The self- ligating brackets produce significantly lower static friction than the conventional types at both degrees of torque. There was no significant different between both self-ligating brackets at0˚torque while at 20 ˚ torque the stainless- steel self -ligating produce lower static friction than the clear self-ligating type.