Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine and compare frictional resistance obtained by low-friction and conventional elastomeric ligatures in the presence of artificial saliva, and observe whether this variable changed after 21 days. Super Slick® low-friction elastomeric ligatures and conventional ligatures of the brands TP conventional® and Unitek® were placed on standard edgewise maxillary central incisor metal brackets, slot .022" × .028" tying rectangular orthodontic wires .018" × .025". Three experimental groups were arranged according to the type of ligature and a control group in which no wires were used. The friction values obtained between the bracket/wire/ligature set were measured using a Universal Test Machine at a speed of 20 mm/minute, at two experimental time intervals: T0 - immediately after specimen fabrication; and T1 - 21 days after fabrication and immersion in artificial saliva at 37 ºC. Conventional Unitek ligatures and the low-friction ligature (Super Slick) showed the lowest friction values at T0. After 21 days (T1), however, conventional Unitek ligatures presented the lowest value. All groups assessed from T0 to T1 showed a numerical reduction in friction values, suggesting that time, heat and humidity may cause elastic degradation, however this was not verified statistically (P > 0.05).
Highlights
During sliding mechanics in Orthodontic treatment, part of the applied force is dissipated to overcome friction, while another fraction is transmitted to the tooth supporting structures inducing tooth movement
The aim of this study was to compare frictional resistance obtained by low-friction elastomeric ligatures and conventional ligatures in the presence of artificial saliva, and observe whether this variable changed after 21 days
The results of the friction test for the groups assessed at times T0 and T0. After days (T1) are shown in Tables 2 and 3, respectively
Summary
During sliding mechanics in Orthodontic treatment, part of the applied force is dissipated to overcome friction, while another fraction is transmitted to the tooth supporting structures inducing tooth movement. To obtain appropriate tooth movement, the total force will be determined by the optimum force to move the tooth, as well as force needed to overcome friction between the bracket and orthodontic wire.[1,2,3,4] There are situations in which different friction intensities are needed. The method of tying orthodontic wires to the brackets influences the amount of friction obtained.[6] Elastomeric ligatures have become an integral part of orthodontic clinical practice.[7] The advantages are as follows: ease of application, Cunha AC, Marquezan M, Freitas AOA, Nojima LI
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