Frictional Characteristics of the Newer Low-friction Elastomeric Ligatures

Abstract

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of thisin vitrostudy was to investigate the efficiency of the new generation of elastomeric ligatures with innovative designs (SlideTMand AlastiKTMEasy-to-Tie) in reducing frictional resistance (FR) during sliding mechanics as compared with conventional ligatures.Materials and MethodsSixty ligature samples divided into four groups were used for the study. Group A: QuiK-StiK™ (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), Group B: AlastiK™ Easy-to-Tie (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), Group C: Slide™ (Leone, Firenze, Italy), and Group D: SS ligatures 0.010” (Libral Traders, New Delhi, India). Universal Testing Machine, Instron was used for measuring FR at the bracket-wire interface.ResultsThere was statistically significant difference in FR among all the four groups of ligatures tested (p < 0.001). Slide ligatures produced the least amount of FR followed by SS ligatures, Easy-to-Tie, and QuiK-StiK in the increasing order of the FR values registered.ConclusionSlideTMligatures may represent a valid alternative to passive self-ligating brackets when minimal amount of friction is desired. Angulation introduced into the elastomeric ligatures reduces the friction in comparison to conventional elastomeric ligatures.How to cite this articleVivek PS, Ravindranath VK, Karandikar G, Doshi S, Mhatre A, Sonawane M. Frictional Characteristics of the Newer Low-friction Elastomeric Ligatures. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(1):19-23.