Archwire Size Research Articles

A Hypothesis Testing of Archwire Rounding for the Efficacy of Torque Springs in Orthodontics: A Finite Element Study.

Achieving the proper buccolingual inclination of teeth is a cornerstone in orthodontic treatment, directly impacting the attainment of ideal occlusal relationships and long-term stability. A practical torque expression that moves the tooth in its proper position across all three planes is imperative to finish orthodontic cases optimally. The primary focus of this research is to investigate Burstone's hypothesis about Warren torque springs when applied to the rectangular wire. Additionally, it examines the hypothesis of rounding these wires in between the bracket wings of the target tooth to be moved. This study aims to determine whether the rounding of wires, in conjunction with the use of torque springs, influences orthodontic outcomes, addressing a notable gap in current literature and resolving controversies in orthodontic practice. A three-dimensional set of maxillary teeth was modeled. A 0.022" MiniSprint™ brackets and Stainless steel archwires of 0.019" × 0.025" and 0.017" × 0.025" (Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany) were generated. Warren torque spring was modeled and used in the simulation on the upper right central incisor. Four case scenarios were simulated. In two scenarios, the archwires were untouched for both archwire sizes. In comparison, in the other two scenarios, each archwire size was rounded for the upper right maxillary incisor bracket area. Stresses in the Warren torque springs were calculated, the root tip displacement in the four scenarios was measured in millimeters, and both were analyzed. The root tip displacement was highly affected by rounding the archwire. The increase in root tip displacement was 1538% for the Warren torque spring on 0.019" × 0.025" and 783% for 0.017" × 0.025". The amount of root tip displacement was about 18.8 mm for 0.017" × 0.025" with rounding and 12.2 mm for 0.019" × 0.025". The concentration of the stresses in the Warren torque spring was in the neck of the spring next to the coils. Rounding the archwires while using the Warren torque spring on a rectangular archwire will increase the efficiency of the spring and, in turn, will exhibit more torque on the tooth. Smaller dimensions of rectangular archwires will give more torque in conjunction with Warren torque springs compared to larger sizes of archwires.

Comparative study of biomechanical effects between two types of 2 × 4 techniques employing a rocking-chair archwire: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

After bonding brackets to the first deciduous molar in a 2 × 4 technique, a three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA) is used to demonstrate the biomechanical changes in an orthodontic system. This study aims to opt for the appropriate type of orthodontic technology by analyzing and comparing the mechanical systems produced by two types of 2 × 4 techniques employing rocking-chair archwires. Herein, the maxilla and maxillary dentition are modeled by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D FEA. Common clinically used 0.016-inch round archwires (material: titanium-molybdenum alloy and stainless-steel) and 0.018-inch round archwires (material: titanium-molybdenum alloy and stainless-steel) are bent into the shape of a rocking chair with a depth of 3mm. The forces and moments applied to the brackets are transferred to the dentition to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the 2 × 4 technique after the bracket is bonded to the first deciduous molar. For the central incisor, the teeth-moving distance in all three directions increases with bracket bonding to the first deciduous molar applying the 0.016-inch rocking-chair archwire. For the lateral incisor, the tooth root moves toward the gingival side when using 0.016-inch and 0.018-inch archwires. Moreover, for the same archwire size, the lateral incisors move toward the gingival side by bonding the bracket to the first deciduous molar. After bonding a bracket to the first deciduous molar, using rocking-chair archwires of 0.016 inch or 0.018 inch, the buccal movement distance of the first molar crown increases in the X-axis direction. In the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, the modified 2 × 4 technique significantly increases the effect of backward-tipping compared with the traditional 2 × 4 technique. In clinical practice, the modified 2 × 4 technique can be used to increase the movement distance of anterior teeth to a certain extent and accelerate the orthodontic teeth movement. Moreover, the modified 2 × 4 technique is better in anchorage conservation of the first molar than the traditional technique. Although the traditional 2 × 4 technique is widely used in early orthodontic treatment, we found mucosal damage and abnormal archwire deformation might affect orthodontic treatment time and effect. The modified 2 × 4 technique is a novel approach that avoids these drawbacks and improves orthodontic treatment efficiency.

A Comparison of the Ligation Torque Expression of a Ribbonwise Bracket-Archwire Combination and a Conventional Combination: A Primary Study.

Objective To assess the effect of the third-order mechanics of a new ribbonwise bracket–archwire combination using an orthodontic torque simulator. Material and Methods. An orthodontic torque simulator was used to measure the third-order moment of a maxillary central incisor as it changed from a neutral position to a 40° rotation in 1° increment. A new ribbonwise bracket (Xinya, China) was compared with a conventional ligation bracket (American Orthodontic, U.S.A.). The effects of different archwire sizes (i.e., 0.017″ × 0.025″ and 0.019″ × 0.025″) and materials (i.e., nickel-titanium, titanium-molybdenum alloy, and stainless steel) were analyzed. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare the moments between the two bracket types corresponding to each of the archwires. The effects of the stiffness of the bracket–archwire complexes were also assessed. Results Statistically significant differences (P=0.05) between the moments from the two brackets were found. The ribbonwise bracket–archwire complex generated larger moments when the rotation angle was lower than 30°. The ribbonwise brackets produced moments that could reach a threshold of 5 Nmm more quickly as the angle was increased. The higher the stiffness of the complex, the larger the moment. Conclusion The ribbonwise bracket–archwire complex reached the moment threshold limits earlier than the conventional complex. When the rotation angle is less than 30°, the ribbonwise bracket–archwire complex generated a greater torque moment in comparison with the conventional complex.

Finite element analysis of tie wings rotation: A new phenomenon in orthodontic bracket-archwire contact assembly during simulated torque.

In orthodontics, the torque generated forces from the rectangular archwires refine the teeth position. Literature shows only linear deformation in brackets during torqueing. The objective of this study was to evaluate a new phenomenon of tie wings rotation, an angular deformation in Stainless Steel (SS) brackets with SS and Beta-Titanium (β-Ti) archwires at various angles of twist. Maxillary central incisor SS 0.457 mm × 0.635 mm and 0.558 mm × 0.711 mm brackets, SS and β-Ti archwires of 0.431 mm × 0.635 mm and 0.533 mm × 0.635 mm sizes were used. Finite element analysis was performed in various bracket-archwire assemblies for simulated torque. Palatal root torque was applied and the gingival tie wings rotation was measured at selected points, from 5° to 30° angles of twist. The tie wings rotation for 30° twist with SS 0.533 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.558 mm bracket ranged from 1.32° to 2.55° and with SS 0.431 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.457 mm bracket from 0.71° to 1.73°. Similarly, with β-Ti 0.533 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.558 mm bracket and β-Ti 0.431 mm × 0.635 mm archwire in 0.457 mm bracket, the tie wings rotation ranged from 0.73° to 1.38° and 0.39° to 0.93° respectively. The tie wings rotation were present in all the FE models. Higher archwire size, stiffness, and angles of twist showed increased rotation. Thus, clinicians should be aware of this tie wings rotation during torqueing as an additional factor for torque loss.

Effect of archwire plane and archwire size on anterior teeth movement in sliding mechanics in customized labial orthodontics: a 3D finite element study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate anterior teeth movement with different archwire planes and archwire sizes during space closure with and without miniscrew in sliding mechanics.MethodsA 3D finite element method was applied to simulate anterior teeth retraction with and without miniscrew and power arm. Initial displacements and pressure stresses of periodontal tissue in anterior teeth were calculated after the teeth were applied with retraction forces with different archwire planes and archwire sizes.ResultsHigh archwire plane showed better torque control of anterior teeth in both sliding mechanics. With intramaxillary retraction, anterior teeth showed lingual tipping and extrusion movement, whereas larger-size archwires did not reduce it. In miniscrew sliding mechanics, anterior teeth showed labial tipping and intrusion movement. Compared with intramaxillary retraction, the retraction force produced less pressure stress on periodontal tissue in miniscrew sliding mechanics with long power arm.ConclusionsHigher archwire plane is conducive to anterior teeth torque control. In order to achieve the bodily movement of the anterior teeth during space closure, it is more important to choose the appropriate method (miniscrew sliding mechanics with long power arm), instead of increasing the size of the archwire.

Orthodontic pain in maxilla and mandible during the first week of orthodontic treatment

Background/Aim: This investigation aimed to evaluate the intensity of self-reported pain and frequency of self-medication with analgesics during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and to compare possible differences between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Material and Methods: In this observational clinical trial 68 patients had similar orthodontic forces (the same bracket-slot and prescription, archwire size and material, and treatment plan) applied on maxillary and mandibular teeth. The patients recorded pain intensity and use of analgesics for the first seven days of treatment. Comparisons between maxillary and mandibular teeth regarding the pain intensity and self-medication frequency were performed by Wilcoxson Signed Ranks Test and McNamara Test for Matched Pairs, respectively. Results: The patients reported moderate pain in both jaws which decreased significantly with each day of treatment. Still, during the initial three days of treatment intensity of pain for maxillary teeth was significantly lower compared to the mandibular teeth. Patients reported analgesics consumption for both jaws, without a statistically significant difference between them. Conclusions: The patients have reported orthodontic pain of higher intensity in the mandibular arch compared to the maxillary arch during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Friction and archwire engagement in contemporary self-ligating appliance systems : An in vitro comparison.

The aim of this study was to compare classical friction (FR) in passive self-ligating brackets (P-SLBs), active self-ligating brackets (A-SLBs) and atraditional twin bracket, in vitro, and to identify the point of initiation of bracket-archwire engagement. Nine bracket systems of 0.022 in slot size were FR tested: 5 P‑SLB systems; 4 A‑SLB systems; and a control group of twin brackets with elastomeric ligatures. Single upper right central incisor brackets were mounted on acustom metal fixture for testing. Straight sections of various round and rectangular nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires (0.016, 0.018, 0.018 × 0.018, 0.020 × 0.020, 0.016 × 0.022, 0.017 × 0.025, 0.019 × 0.025, and 0.021 × 0.025 in) were ligated to the bracket and peak static FR (cN) was measured with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Ten unique tests each utilizing anew bracket and new archwire were conducted for each group in the dry state. FR was significantly different between control, P‑SLB and A‑SLB systems (P < 0.001). P‑SLB groups displayed no significant differences in FR between each other, regardless of archwire size. A‑SLB groups did exhibit significant differences in FR between each other depending on both the bracket system and archwire size. Each A‑SLB system tested possessed adistinctly different pattern of initiation of bracket-archwire engagement. FR between the archwire and bracket slot differs between P‑SLB and A‑SLB systems, with adistinct pattern of FR and bracket-archwire engagement for each A‑SLB system. Understanding the different bracket-wire interactions of SLB systems should help orthodontic clinicians to plan effective and efficient biomechanics with the bracket system of their choice.

Frictional Forces of Three Types of Lingual Appliance with Self-ligating Mechanisms

The present study compared the frictional forces of three types of self-ligating lingual appliances. The lingual appliances (2D, Forestadent; Alias, Ormco; and Clippy L, Tomy International) consisted of a self-ligating bracket (second premolar) and two self-ligating tubes (first and second molars) bonded to a stainless steel jig and attached to a "drawing-friction tester." Full-size and non-full-size stainless steel archwires were tested, and the static and kinetic friction acting on six lingual appliance/wire combinations was estimated (n = 5). Three-dimensional micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis of each premolar bracket was performed. The frictional forces were compared between the bracket/wire combinations using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Alias and Clippy L bracket/wire combinations had greater contact between the wire surfaces and bracket slots compared to the 2D bracket/wire combination. For all lingual appliances, the static and kinetic frictional forces were significantly higher for the full-size than non-full-size archwire. The 2D bracket, which had a wider outer wing, had less frictional force than the other appliances. The Alias, which had a narrower outer wing, had a significantly lower frictional force than the Clippy L. Frictional force was significantly higher for heavier full-size bracket/archwire combinations than for non-full-size archwires. The 2D bracket had lower frictional force due to its archwire-holding mechanism. The outer wing width may influence the frictional resistance. The frictional forces of self-ligating lingual appliances vary, and bracket design and archwire size may influence the frictional performance.

Experimental evaluation of orthodontic bracket slot deformation to simulated torque.

In orthodontic fixed appliance therapy, the archwire torque used to refine the teeth position during the treatment imparts significant forces inside the bracket slot. The objective of this study was to measure the torque relevant bracket slot deformation in Stainless Steel (SS) brackets during various degree of archwire twist. Standard edgewise brackets 0.018-inch (in.)/0.022-in. each 20 no. and 0.016 × 0.022, 0.017 × 0.025, 0.019 × 0.025, and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwires each 10 no. were used. A novel experimental setup consisting of loading fixture and torque key mounted on a Vision Measuring System (VMS) were used to measure the brackets slot deformation. The Top Slot and Middle Slot Deformations (TSD and MSD) of the brackets for 35° angle of twist in 0.016 × 0.022 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot, 0.019 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot and for 30° angle of twist in 0.017 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot were measured. Results showed that the mean TSD and MSD were higher when the archwire size, the slot size and the angle of twist were greater. In the evaluated bracket-archwire combinations, the TSD were higher than MSD and the bracket slots were elastically deformed within the clinically required 35° angle of twist in the archwire. Clinicians should be aware of this torque relevant bracket slot deformation which might be a factor for torque loss and suitably incorporate archwire angle of twist.

Pulpal blood flow changes and pain scores related to using Superelastic 0.018-inch Nickel Titanium as the first orthodontic alignment archwire: a prospective clinical trial.

Background Optimal orthodontic force results in maximum rate of tooth movement without tissue damage. Even though starting orthodontic treatment with a thicker archwire may shorten treatment duration, the evidence on the effect of using 0.018-inch NiTi as the first alignment archwire on pulpal blood flow (PBF) status is still scarce.Objectives to record PBF changes and pain scores associated with using 0.018-inch NiTi as the first alignment archwire during fixed orthodontic treatment.Methodology Patients were selected from subjects attending postgraduate orthodontic teaching clinics at Jordan University of Science and Technology. In total, forty healthy patients who exhibited mild lower arch crowding were included. A split-mouth trial design was used. Each patient received two archwire sizes at one time joined in the midline by crimpable hook and applied in the lower arch. Patients were assigned into one of two groups based on archwire sizes used. Group 1: 0.014-inch and 0.018-inch NiTi (Six males, 14 females aged 19.4±1.33 years) and Group 2: 0.016-inch and 0.018-inch NiTi (Seven males, 13 females aged 19.6±1.45 years). The archwire size group was randomly allocated with a 1:1 allocation ratio. A Laser Doppler Flowmeter was used to measure PBF at different time intervals (T0-T5). Pain scores were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS). A repeated measures ANOVA and a post-hoc Bonferroni comparison tests were conducted to examine differences at the different time points before and during orthodontic alignment.Results For all studied archwire sizes, PBF decreased 20 minutes after their placement. Most PBF changes occurred within 24hours and continued to decrease until 72 hours after archwire placement where the maximum reduction was reached. Eventually, normal values were reverted within 1 month. PBF changes were similar between all alignment – groups.Conclusions Initial orthodontic alignment with 0.018-inch NiTi does not cause irreversible changes to pulpal vasculature or produces higher pain scores.

A finite element analysis of the effects of archwire size on orthodontic tooth movement in extraction space closure with miniscrew sliding mechanics

BackgroundSliding mechanics with miniscrews is recently used for extraction space closure. The purpose of this study was to elucidate how and why the archwire size affects long-term tooth movement in miniscrew sliding mechanics.MethodsLong-term orthodontic tooth movements were simulated based on a remodeling law of the alveolar bone by using a finite element method, in which the bracket rotated freely within a clearance gap (a play) of the archwire-bracket slot. The archwire size was changed to 0.021, 0.018, and 0.016 in. for the 0.022-in. bracket.ResultLingual crown tipping and extrusion of the incisors increased with decreasing the archwire size. Movements of the posterior teeth were approximately the same irrespective of archwire size.ConclusionsWhen decreasing the archwire size, a play of the archwire-bracket slot, as well as the elastic deformation of the archwire, resulted in lingual tipping of the incisors. This tipping led to extrusion of the incisors.

Finite element analysis of stresses on adjacent teeth during the traction of palatally impacted canines.

To evaluate stresses on maxillary teeth during alignment of a palatally impacted canine (PIC) under different loading conditions with forces applied in vertical and buccal directions. A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxilla was developed from a cone beam computed tomographic scan of a patient with a left PIC. Traction was simulated under different setups: (1) palatal spring extending from a transpalatal bar (TPB) anchored on the first molars (M1) and alternatively combined with different archwires (0.016 × 0.022-inch; 0.018 × 0.025-inch) with and without engaging second molars and (2) a buccal force against 0.018-inch, 0.016 × 0.022-inch, and 0.018 × 0.025-inch archwires with and without engaging the left lateral incisor (I2). Without fixed appliances, stresses were assumed by M1; with fixed appliances, stresses were distributed on all teeth, decreasing mesially toward the midline. Direct buccal pull exerted most stress on neighboring I2 (19-20% with different wire sizes) and first premolar (12-17%), decreasing distally, along a similar pattern with different archwire sizes. When I2 was bypassed, stresses on adjacent teeth increased only by 3-6%. Higher stresses occurred with the lighter round wire. This first research on stresses on adjacent teeth during PIC traction provided needed quantitative data on the pattern of stress generation, suggesting the following clinical implications: use of distal-vertical pull from posterior anchorage (TPB) as initial movement and when using a buccal force, bypassing the lateral incisor and using heavier wires that would minimize side effects.

Effect of arch wire size on orthodontic reverse closing loop and retraction force in canine tooth distalization : Three-dimensional finite element analysis.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of different wire size reverse closing loop and retraction forces in canine tooth distalization using the finite element analysis method. Maxillary alveolar bone, maxillary first molar, second premolar and canine teeth were constructed in three dimensions along with their periodontal ligaments and standard edgewise brackets of 0.022 inch and stainless-steel reverse closing loop of 0.016 × 0.022 inch and 0.019 × 0.025 inch were designed. Force of 0.98 N and 1.96 N were applied to the arch wire from the posterior region of the molar tooth in the distal direction for activating the reverse closing loop. The stress distribution and displacement of the maxillary canine tooth were performed using the three-dimensional finite element analysis method. The maximum deformation on the canine tooth was higher in the x‑, y‑, and z‑axes in both arch wires with 1.96 N force activation. Moreover, 1.96 N caused more stress on the canine tooth in both arch wires compared to the application of 0.98 N. In terms of von Mises stress distribution on alveolar bones, the amount of stress was higher during the application of 1.96 N than the application of 0.98 N. The finite element method is areliable instrument which allows the effects of biomechanics applied in orthodontics to be evaluated. The finite element analysis method precisely predicted the mechanical effects of reverse closing loop of different wire sizes and different retraction forces.

Force system generated by elastic archwires with vertical V bends: a three-dimensional analysis.

Our previous understanding of V-bend mechanics is primarily from two-dimensional (2D) analysis of archwire bracket interactions in the second order. These analyses do not take into consideration the three-dimensional (3D) nature of orthodontic appliances involving the third order. To quantify the force system generated in a 3D two bracket set up involving the molar and incisors with vertical V-bends. Maxillary molar and incisor brackets were arranged in a dental arch form and attached to load cells capable of measuring forces and moments in all three planes (x, y, and z) of space. Symmetrical V-bends (right and left sides) were placed at 11 different locations along rectangular beta-titanium archwires of various sizes at an angle of 150degrees. Each wire was evaluated for the 11 bend positions. Specifically, the vertical forces (Fz) and anterio-posterior moments (Mx) were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the results. With increasing archwire size, Fz and Mx increased at the two brackets (P < 0.05). The vertical forces were linear and symmetric in nature, increasing in magnitude as the bends moved closer to either bracket. The Mx curves were asymmetric and non-linear displaying higher magnitudes for molar bracket. As the bends were moved closer to either bracket a distinct flattening of the incisor Mx curve was noted, implying no change in its magnitude. This article provides critical information on V-bend mechanics involving second order and third order archwire-bracket interactions. A model for determining this force system is described that might allow for easier translation to actual clinical practice.

The effect of buccal-lingual slot dimension size on third-order torque response.

The focus of the presented study was to investigate the effect of buccal-lingual (B-L) orthodontic bracket slot dimension on third-order torque mechanics. Three types of orthodontic brackets and two archwire sizes were considered. Ortho Classic H4 (0.026″ B-L slot, passive), Ormco Damon Q (0.028″ B-L slot, passive), and In-Ovation R (0.028″ slot, active) brackets were tested using 0.017″ × 0.025″ and 0.019″ × 0.025″ beta-titanium archwires. An in vitro orthodontic torque simulator (OTS) was used to rotate archwires relative to a single bracket while recording forces and moments in three directions. For each bracket-archwire combination, a total of n = 47 samples were tested. Repeated measures analysis of variance between brackets was conducted for third-order torque values at 3° increments between 9° and 30° during loading and unloading for each archwire size. Statistically significant differences between H4 and Q brackets were only found for 0.017″ × 0.025″ archwires during loading, and 0.019″ × 0.025″ archwires during unloading. Conversely, differences between H4 and R brackets were found for both archwires during loading and unloading phases. Finally, when using a 0.017″ × 0.025″ archwire the H4 brackets reached the 5 Nmm threshold before R and Q brackets; however, there was little difference found when using a 0.019″ × 0.025″ archwire. The concept of using a smaller B-L bracket slot dimension in orthodontic treatment showed it may theoretically allow for more options, primarily using smaller archwires to correct third-order rotational misalignments. However, it is suspected that bracket material limitations and added loading on the door currently prevent this from being clinically applicable.

Influences of archwire size and ligation method on the force magnitude delivered by nickel-titanium alloy archwires in a simulation of mandibular right lateral incisor linguoversion.

The present study investigated the influence of archwire size and ligation method on the force magnitude delivered by nickel-titanium alloy archwires to 4 incisor brackets (42, 41, 31, and 32) in a simulation of mandibular right lateral incisor linguoversion. The force delivered by 0.014 and 0.016 inch nickel-titanium alloy archwires was measured using a newly developed multi-sensor measuring system and the mean force magnitudes were compared between different archwire sizes when using conventional ligation (CL) with elastic modules or self-ligating (SL) brackets by three-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni's tests. The mean force magnitudes for the brackets were significantly decreased in the order of 42, 41, 31, and 32 (p<0.01). The force magnitude was significantly larger in CL than SL at 42, 31, and 32 (p<0.05). In conclusion, the ligation method affected the force magnitude at 4 incisor brackets. Despite the ligation method, archwire size affected the force magnitude from 42 to 31.

Comparison of the frictional characteristics of aesthetic orthodontic brackets measured using a modified in vitro technique.

ObjectiveThe coefficients of friction (COFs) of aesthetic ceramic and stainless steel brackets used in conjunction with stainless steel archwires were investigated using a modified linear tribometer and special computer software, and the effects of the bracket slot size (0.018 inches [in] or 0.022 in) and materials (ceramic or metal) on the COF were determined.MethodsFour types of ceramic (one with a stainless steel slot) and one conventional stainless steel bracket were tested with two types of archwire sizes: a 0.017 × 0.025-in wire in the 0.018-in slots and a 0.019 × 0.025-in wire in the 0.022-in slot brackets. For pairwise comparisons between the 0.018-in and 0.022-in slot sizes in the same bracket, an independent sample t-test was used. One-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test at the 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) were also used for statistical analyses.ResultsThere were significant differences between the 0.022-in and 0.018-in slot sizes for the same brand of bracket. ANOVA also showed that both slot size and bracket slot material had significant effects on COF values (p < 0.001). The ceramic bracket with a 0.022-in stainless steel slot showed the lowest mean COF (µ = 0.18), followed by the conventional stainless steel bracket with a 0.022-in slot (µ = 0.21). The monocrystalline alumina ceramic bracket with a 0.018-in slot had the highest COF (µ = 0.85).ConclusionsBrackets with stainless steel slots exhibit lower COFs than ceramic slot brackets. All brackets show lower COFs as the slot size increases.

Effect of wire size on maxillary arch force/couple systems for a simulated high canine malocclusion.

To better understand the effects of copper nickel titanium (CuNiTi) archwire size on bracket-archwire mechanics through the analysis of force/couple distributions along the maxillary arch. The hypothesis is that wire size is linearly related to the forces and moments produced along the arch. An Orthodontic Simulator was utilized to study a simplified high canine malocclusion. Force/couple distributions produced by passive and elastic ligation using two wire sizes (Damon 0.014 and 0.018 inch) measured with a sample size of 144. The distribution and variation in force/couple loading around the arch is a complicated function of wire size. The use of a thicker wire increases the force/couple magnitudes regardless of ligation method. Owing to the non-linear material behaviour of CuNiTi, this increase is less than would occur based on linear theory as would apply for stainless steel wires. The results demonstrate that an increase in wire size does not result in a proportional increase of applied force/moment. This discrepancy is explained in terms of the non-linear properties of CuNiTi wires. This non-proportional force response in relation to increased wire size warrants careful consideration when selecting wires in a clinical setting.

Evaluation of rotational control and forces generated during first-order archwire deflections: a comparison of self-ligating and conventional brackets

The purpose of this study was to compare the activation and deactivation forces generated during first-order archwire deflections when different sizes and types of NiTi wires are paired with conventional and self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and to evaluate the rotational control between these same archwire and bracket combinations. Four maxillary premolar SLBs (Damon 3MX, SmartClip, Carriere, and In-Ovation R) and one conventional twin bracket (Victory) were paired with seven archwires [0.014, 0.016, 0.018, 0.016 × 0.022 Ultra Therm (thermal A f 80-90°F), 0.016, 0.018 SPEED Supercable, and 0.017 × 0.025 Turbo]. A cantilever test design was used and 10 trials per bracket/archwire combination were performed. Load/deflection data were captured over 4 mm fi rst-order archwire deflections. Forces generated were compared across all bracket/archwire combinations. Among thermal archwires, for a given deflection, forces increased with increasing archwire size. Supercable archwires displayed less force than their same size thermal counterparts. The Turbo archwire generated force values in between those of 0.016 and 0.018 thermal archwires. Rotational control improved with increasing wire dimensions and for a given archwire size. Rotational control among brackets generally ranked as follows: In-Ovation R > SmartClip > Carriere and Damon 3MX.

Active and passive self-ligation—a myth?

To compare the frictional behavior of several self-ligating brackets with that of normal brackets both with and without tipping force-moments and in combination with different archwire dimensions. The resistance to sliding (RS) of seven self-ligating brackets, a conventional bracket, and a ceramic bracket with a low-friction clip were evaluated in combination with three different archwires and tipping force-moments of 0 and 10 Nmm. The center of rotation for the measurements was set within the center of the bracket or with a 10-mm offset. Resistance to sliding was measured using an Instron 3344 at a cross-head speed of 10 mm/min at a temperature of 36°C. Without a tipping moment, RS increased with the active self-ligating brackets with increasing archwire size. No RS was found for any of the passive self-ligating brackets. The 10-Nmm tipping moment resulted in more RS and was similar for all bracket and archwire combinations. RS was approximately doubled when the center of rotation was located at the bracket rather than with a 10-mm offset. RS between brackets and archwires is highly dependent on the experimental setup. Different setups can result in contradictory results. Almost 1 N of traction force is lost in RS when a moment of 10 Nmm is placed at a rotational center 10 mm from the bracket.