Friction: validation of manufacturer’s claim

Abstract

Abstract Bracket design may contribute to reduction in friction, and treatments such as surface modification by ion implantation can alter the surface properties of a material without significant alteration of the dimensional tolerance of the material. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ion implantation on archwire and/or bracket surfaces and compare this treatment with other friction reducing modalities. Ion implanted and untreated nickel-titanium and beta-titanium wires were tested along with stainless steel wires as well as plastic and silicon coated nickel-titanium archwires. They were tested in treated (ion implanted) and untreated edgewise stainless steel brackets, SPEED self-ligating brackets (Strite Industries, Cambridge, ON) and the uniquely designed Synergy (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Denver, CO) brackets. The Synergy bracket had significantly less friction than all other brackets for all wires tested with the exception of the Speed bracket in which friction was comparable when round wire was used. The results suggest that ion implantation of nickel-titanium and beta-titanium wires, as well as the bracket surface are effective means to reduce friction. An even greater reduction in friction can be obtained by offsetting the friction from the elastomeric ligation as with a bracket design like that of the Synergy bracket (RMO) and the use of ion implanted wires. Low friction properties of active self-ligating brackets (SPEED) necessitate the utilization of the correct combination of archwire and bracket.