Load Deflection Rate Research Articles

Evaluation of Efficacy of MV Loop for En masse Anterior Retraction as Compared to Opus and Snail Loop Using Finite Element Method and Clinical Intervention: A Research Protocol

Abstract Background: In orthodontics, space closure after extraction is crucial. Frictionless mechanics in preadjusted “edgewise appliance” treatment in orthodontics are better alternatives to friction mechanics. The major benefit is dissipation of force, a high M: F ratio and a low load-deflection rate which is not there in friction mechanics. The retraction loops are Snail loop, Opus loop, K Sir loop, L loop etc. which are used as force system in frictionless mechanics. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Multiple Variability (MV) loop for qualitative and quantitative en masse anterior retraction as compared to Opus and Snail loop. Materials and Methods: The study will be carried out in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi (M), Wardha with the technical assistance from NIT Engineering College, Pune. MV loop, Opus loop and Snail loop will be fabricated in “0.019 × 0.025, 0.017 × 0.025 inch Titanium Molybdenum alloy (TMA) and 0.017 × 0.025 inch Stainless Steel (SS) wire” with 1 and 2 mm preactivation bends will be analysed on Finite element method (FEM) Software. Then clinical trials will be carried out based on qualitative and quantitative assessment of records for evaluation of MV loop, opus loop and Snail loop. Expected Results: The FEM analysis and clinical trials will predict the perfect design of loop with adequate preactivation bends. Mainly on data access layer (DHAL) analysis MV loop showed 10:1 Moment to Force (M:F). Similar results are expected on FEM analysis and clinical trials. MV loop will show superior results as compared to Opus and Snail loop. Conclusion: Loop mechanics provide efficient intrusion and retraction in extraction cases. A loop to be effective and efficient needs to clinically as well as mechanically evaluated. MV loop was fabricated to fulfill all the requirements of loop. Clinical evaluation of loop will provide complete effectiveness of loop.

Analysis of Operating Safety of Tractor-Trailer under Crosswind in Cold Mountainous Areas

To investigate the driving safety of tractor-trailers under extreme conditions in cold mountainous areas, this paper used numerical simulation software to construct a driving scenario of cold mountainous road, to simulate and analyze the driving safety of tractor-trailers under different wind speed and driving speed conditions, and then the critical deriving speed for safe driving was obtained. Four main factors were considered: low adhesion coefficient, strong crosswind, road radius, driving speed, lateral acceleration, and vertical load-deflection rate (LTR) were selected as the main safety response indexes for the determination of sideslip and rollover. The results show that strong crosswinds have an obvious effect on the tractor-trailer sideslip, and the safe operating speed range of the tractor-trailer is from 0 to 30 km/h, with the value of safe driving speed decreasing as the wind speed increases; the speed range where sideslip occurs is from 30 to 37 km/h, with the dangerous driving speed also decreasing as the wind speed increases; accidents when the driving speed exceeds 38 km/h. In addition, simulation experiments show that tractor-trailers generally skid first without rollover on a combination of curved road sections with a low coefficient of adhesion and super-elevation. Finally, the driving simulator was used to test the driving conditions of the tractor-trailer on the cold curved slope combination section with different crosswind speeds, and the experimental results proved the validity of the simulation’s safe speed threshold.

EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF LOAD DEFLECTION RATE OF FOUR INITIAL ORTHODONTIC ARCH WIRES: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the load-deflection rate of four different types of archwires used in initial stage of orthodontic treatment.
 Materials and methods: A modified three-point bending test was performed on the sample of 60 wires of superelastic Nickel Titanium(NiTi), everwhite esthetic NiTi, thermal NiTi and multistranded coaxial stainless steel (15 each). The load exerted by each of the wire was measured at the deflections of 2 mm and 4mm, subsequent unloading process at 37°C temperature.
 Results: Comparison of mean load-deflection values revealed that thermal NiTi wires had lowest value at both 2 and 4mm deflection when compared to other three wires which was statistically significant(p=0.009). Superelastic and esthetic NiTi showed similar values of load deflection ratios at both the deflections where as co-axial wire showed 1.89N at 2mm and 5.22N at 4mm deflection.
 Conclusion: The heat-activated NiTi wires are acceptable in severe crowding and periodontally compromised patients. Multistranded co-axial wire is acceptable when we need minimal alignment; whereas esthetic NiTi wires can replace superelastic Niti based on patient’s need.

Comparing the Efficacy of Specs Loop and T Loop for En Masse Anterior Retraction - A Finite Element Study

ABSTRACT Purpose T loop is one of the most commonly used loops for space closure. But the previous literature shows that T loop produces a moment to force ratio of less than the ideal value with high load deflection rate. Thus, a newly designed Specs loop was designed which produced a moment to force ratio of 10:1. The present study was aimed to compare the efficacy of Specs loop and T loop in en-masse anterior retraction. Materials and Methods A finite element maxillary model for en-masse anterior retraction was made. The Specs loop and T loop were designed with preactivation bends of 30 degree alpha bend and 45 degree beta bend. The horizontal and vertical forces and moments at both the alpha and beta nodes and overall moment to force ratio, horizontal and vertical movement of crown and root tip of all the individual teeth and stress acting on the teeth and bone were calculated for each loop for a horizontal activation of 3 mm using Abaqus software. Results T loop produced a moment to force (M/F) ratio of 9:1, whereas Specs loop produced M/F ratio of 10:1. The Specs loop produced more distal crown tipping of anterior and posterior teeth, whereas the extrusive vertical movement seen was almost the same for both the loops. Conclusion Within the limitations of the present study, the Specs loop was more efficient than the T loop for en-masse anterior retraction.

‘Mouse’ loop – for frictionless mechanics

Frictionless mechanics for extraction space closure is one of the commonly used method in orthodontic practice. The ‘Mouse” loop is a new design for efficient and low friction space closure. The 'Mouse' loop has biomechanical advantages of increased range of activation and low load deflection rate. A case report is presented for the application of the loop. In the case report, a deciduous canine was extracted and its space was closed with the help of the 'Mouse' loop. The space of the deciduous canine was closed within five months without any clinical disadvantage.

Estimation of mechanical parameters for orthodontic retraction loops using finite element analysis

Abstract Forces and moments are the main parameters deciding the safety of many of the engineering as well as biomaterials. Since every material has certain yield or ultimate strength, it is always desirable to work in the safe limits to maintain the integrity of the systems. In the present analysis, five standard loops used in the orthodontic applications (T-Loop, Vertical Loop, Opus70, Mushroom and Helix) were analysed using finite element analysis for a fixed horizontal length of 14 mm and a vertical height of 10 mm. Analysis is carried out using 3D beam elements with an element size of 0.25 mm as the accuracy of finite elements are mainly based on element size. For all the analysis, the load deflection rate, vertical force generation and moment values are recorded with carried out in the nonlinear domain to capture the results better. The results shows that minimum force and moment development when the loop is positioned at centre. It is positioned near any bracket, maximum forces and moments are create near the activation bracket. Higher the elastic modulus, the wire is inducing higher moments and forces which are key to the stability of the orthodontic structure. Finite element analysis is effectively used to estimate the load deflection rate, force and moment generation based on different types of loops, positions and materials.

Comparative Evaluation of Dimensional Accuracy, Surface Characteristics, and Load Deflection Attributes of 0.019" × 0.025" Stainless Steel Wires Sourced from Six Different Commercial Houses: An In Vitro Study

Aims & Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare dimensional accuracy, surface characteristics and load deflection attributes of SS wires sourced from six different commercial houses. Materials & Methods: 0.019” x 0.025” SS wire samples were divided into 6 groups and evaluated and compared for the aforementioned properties. Dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, frictional resistance, load deflection rate and ultimate tensile strength were evaluated and compared. Results: Dimensional accuracy did not vary significantly. Surface Profilometry proved 3M Unitek (Group 1) to be the wire with least irregularities. According to SEM, Modern Orthodontics (Group 6) and 3M Unitek (Group 1) in terms of ‘Sa’ and ‘Sq’ respectively had the smoothest surface finish. SS wires sourced from G&H Orthodontics (Group 2) exhibited least frictional resistance. Load deflection rates varied for all the groups for all three parameters under the study. UTS was best for SS wires sourced from Rabbit Force Orthodontics (Group 5). Conclusion: No wire from a single commercial house excels in all the parameters that were evaluated, each one having its aces and minuses.

Comparative Evaluation of the Force and Load Deflection Rate for Different Loop Springs with Varying Designs, Wire Dimensions, and Materials: A Finite Element Method Study

Objective: To evaluate and compare the force and load deflection rate generated by differing unit displacement through 1 to 4 mm of springs that vary in design (Double Delta Closing Loop, Double Vertical T Crossed Closing Loop, Double Vertical Helical Closing Loop and Ricketts Maxillary Retractor), constituting wire materials (stainless steel and beta titanium), and wire dimensions (0.017" × 0.025" and 0.019" × 0.025"). Materials and methods: Computer-assisted design (CAD) model of the said loop springs was created and converted to the finite element method (FEM). The boundary conditions assigned were restraining anterior segment of the loops in all the 3 axes and displacement of the posterior segment progressively only along the x-axis in increments of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm. Force and load deflection rate were calculated for each incremental displacement. Results: For all loop designs, force and load deflection rate increased with incremental displacement. Loop springs of beta titanium and 0.017" × 0.025" dimension showed lesser force and load deflection rate than those of stainless steel and 0.019" × 0.025", respectively. Ricketts Maxillary Retractor showed the least force and load deflection rate. Comparable force and load deflection values were found for 0.017" × 0.025" Double Vertical T Crossed Loop and 0.019" × 0.025" Double Vertical Helical Closing Loop. Conclusions: Variations in wire dimensions, materials, and designs have a profound effect on force and load deflection rate of the different loop springs studied.

Review of Superelastic Differential Force Archwires for Producing Ideal Orthodontic Forces: an Advanced Technology Potentially Applicable to Orthognathic Surgery and Orthopedics.

Gentle and continuous loads are preferred for optimum orthodontic tooth movement. Nitinol, an alloy of nickel and titanium developed for the aerospace industry, found its first clinical applications in orthodontics because it has ideal load-deflection behavior. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the criteria for effective orthodontic mechanics relative to emerging Nitinol technology. The specialized materials with variable stiffness that were originally developed for orthodontics are increasingly attractive for in the temporomandibular joint, orthognathic surgery, and orthopedics. The evolution of orthodontic archwires is driven by a need to achieve low load-deflection characteristics and Nitinol is the alloy of choice. Scientific knowledge of the biological response to orthodontic forces continues to grow, but definitive guidance on optimal force levels for individual teeth is elusive. Finite element models (FEM) that take into account periodontal ligament (PDL) stresses indicate differential force archwires are needed to realize optimal treatment. However, previous wire fabrication methods, including welding of different materials and selective resistive heating, are limited by poor mechanical performance and spatial resolution. Recently, a novel laser processing technique was developed for precisely programing relative levels of stiffness in a single archwire. FEM was used to estimate the optimal force for each tooth by calculating the 3D bone-PDL surface area. There remains a general consensus that light and continuous forces are desirable for orthodontic treatment. New developments in archwire materials and technology have provided the orthodontist with a complete spectrum of load-deflection rates and differential force options to express these forces with maximized archwire economy. These technologies also appear to have application to orthopedic implant devices.

Evaluation of Bond Strength and Load Deflection Rate of Multi-stranded Fixed Retainer Wires: An In-Vitro Study.

Background:Fixed orthodontic retainers must be well retained on the tooth surfaces, allow physiologic movement of teeth and exert minimal forces on the teeth to be retained. Previous studies analyzed the bond strength and amount of deflection caused due to the debonding force but not the magnitude of force needed for unit deformation.Aims:This study aims to evaluate and compare the bond strength and load deflection rate (LDR) of three different fixed retainer wires.Materials and Methods:The wires were divided into three Groups: A – three-stranded twisted ligature wire, B – Bond-A-Braid (Reliance Orthodontics), and C – three-stranded twisted lingual retainer wire (3M Unitek). Twenty models were prepared for each group with a passive 15 mm long lingual retainer wire bonded to two lower incisors. An occlusogingival force was applied to the wire until it debonded. For LDR, three-point bending test was done at 0.5 mm deflection. These forces were measured using a Universal Instron Testing Machine.Statistical Analysis:Mean bond strength/LDR and pairwise comparisons were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc test, respectively.Results:Group C exhibited the highest mean bond strength and LDR of 101.17N and 1.84N, respectively. The intergroup comparisons were all statistically significant.Conclusion:Compared to the other two wire types, Group C might be better retained on the teeth due to its higher bond strength. With its relatively higher LDR value, it may resist deformation from occlusal forces, thereby reducing inadvertent tooth movement and yet remain flexible enough to allow physiologic tooth movements.

Comparison of mechanical properties of three orthodontic wires between levelled and unlevelled brackets: An in vitro study

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of three orthodontic wires between levelled and unlevelled bracket using a three-point bending test. Methods: Three groups of ten Nickel titanium, Betatitanium and CuNiTi wire segments (0.017 × 0.025-in. diameter) were used. Two brackets were bonded to an acrylic jig with a 10-mm interbracket distance. Deflection test was done in two scenarios, one with aligned brackets and other with 2-mm horizontal displacement of the brackets to simulate malaligned teeth. Forces of loading and unloading of the wires during both tests were compared by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results: The difference of LDR between levelled and unlevelled brackets during loading in NiTi wire was 0.1 N, Beta-titanium wire 0.2 N and CuNiTi wire was 1.5 N. The difference of LDR between levelled and unlevelled brackets during unloading in NiTi wire was 0.2 N, Betatitanium wire was 0.3 N and CuNiTi wire is 0.5 N. Conclusions: The study showed some significant differences in forces generated during loading and unloading among the three different types of wires tested. During both the scenarios only CuNiTi wire showed significant difference. Betatitanium wire exhibited highest force followed by NiTi and CuNiTi. Keywords: NiTi, Beta-titanium, CuNiTi wires, Three-point bending test, Load deflection rate (LDR), Newtons (N)

Impact force loss behavior of flocked surfaces

The impact force loss behavior of flocked energy absorbing materials (FEAM) was experimentally studied in the context of double-side flocked FEAM element layered structures. A ball drop test determined the force loss per cent (FL%) properties of various assembled panels. This study showed that: (a) FEAM layers are most effective when used in multiple layer configurations. (b) When fabricating multi-layer two-side flocked FEAM layer configurations, a film or fabric divider sheet should be placed between adjacent flocked layers to prevent the flocked fibers from intermeshing with each other during compressional deformation. (c) FEAM elements perforated with 6.4 mm (¼”) diameter holes, 12.7 mm (½”) off staggered centers, exhibit a higher FL% per areal density compared to non-perforated FEAM panels. (d) Promising improvements in FL% properties are found by sandwiching either foam or spacer fabric between two FEAM layers. These three-layer structures are found to have higher FL% values than individual foam or spacer fabric components. A possible synergistic effect might be operating. (e) Low strain rate (5 and 50 mm/min) compressional load deflection rate data on combination FEAM/ vinyl nitrile foam/FEAM layers have shown that the initial ‘hump’ in the foam’s stress–strain curve is eliminated. FEAM layers and their foam and spacer fabric combinations should lead to creating effective impact energy absorbing pads for sport, military and civil servant applications.

Creep Properties Assessment of P92 Steel by Small Punch Creep Tests

Small punch creep (SPC) tests have the potential as an alternative to conventional uniaxial creep tests when limited amount of material is available. This paper investigates the applicability of SPC to evaluate the creep deformation behavior of P92 steel. SPC results have been compared with uniaxial creep test results in order to establish the correlation between the two tests. Small punch tests on P92 steel have been performed at 600 °C in the load range of 1000–400 N. The load dependence of minimum deflection rate was found to obey Norton’s power law but with a two slope behavior exhibiting distinct values of load exponents in the low and high load regimes. Transition in fracture mode of SPC specimens from ductile transgranular at high loads to brittle intergranular fracture at low loads was in accordance with the large variation in load exponent values. Monkman–Grant equation interrelating minimum deflection rate with rupture time has been found to be valid for SPC data. Correlations between SPC load and minimum deflection rate with uniaxial creep stress and minimum creep rate respectively, established based on empirical relations suggest the relevance of SPC for evaluating creep properties in relatively short time.

Effect of clinical use of nickel-titanium springs.

Our objectives were to determine whether there are changes on the load deflection rate (L/DP) and the average force (FP) of the superelastic pseudoplateau, and whether permanent deformation is changed in nickel-titanium closed-coil springs (CCSs) after 6 months of clinical use. Twenty-two nickel-titanium CCSs (Sentalloy 100 g; Dentsply GAC, York, Pa) were subjected to tensile mechanical testing at 37°C on activations varying from 3.2 to 16.0 mm before and after 6 months of clinical use. A regression line was fitted over the most horizontal area of the unloading part of the stress-strain graph of every CCS, and its slope was used as L/DP. The FP was determined by the midpoint of the longest segment of the curve that could be fit within the regression line with a R(2) of at least 0.999, and permanent deformation was determined graphically by obtaining the strain value when the measured stress reached zero. The data were analyzed by 3 analyses of variance at 2 levels, with 5% of significance. Time and activation significantly influenced the variables tested (P < 0.001). Time increased the L/DP and permanent deformation but decreased the FP. Activation decreased L/DP, FP, and permanent deformation. Significant interactions between time and activation were detected for FP (P = 0.013) and deformation (P < 0.001). After 6 months of active clinical use, the analyzed springs had a significant but small increase in their L/DP; FP dropped up to 88%, and the CCSs deformed up to 1.26 mm.

Comparative Evaluation of Frictional Properties, Load Deflection Rate and Surface Characteristics of Different Coloured TMA Archwires - An Invitro Study.

During tooth movement the success of sliding mechanics is dependent upon various factors which include frictional resistance at bracket-archwire interface, surface roughness of archwire materials and elastic properties of archwires. Ion implantation techniques reduce the frictional force and allow better tooth movement clinically. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the frictional properties, load deflection rate and surface characteristics of Honey dew and Purple coloured (Ion implanted) TMA wires with uncoated TMA wires. Fifteen archwire samples were divided into three groups comprising of five samples in each group namely, Group I - Uncoated TMA wires (Control), Group II - Purple coloured TMA wires and Group III- Honey dew TMA wires. Friction and load deflection rate testing were performed with the Instron Universal testing machine and the surface characteristics of the wires were evaluated before and after sliding using Scanning Electron Microscope. The mean frictional characteristics and surface roughness for Honey dew TMA wires was lesser than Purple coloured TMA wires which was statistically significant. Both the coloured TMA wires showed low frictional characteristics and less surface roughness than uncoated TMA wires (the control). The mean load deflection rate was low for both coloured ion implanted TMA wires when compared to uncoated TMA wires which was statistically significant. Coloured ion implanted TMA wires, especially Honey dew TMA wires have low friction, low load deflection rate and improved surface finish. Hence they can be used in frictionless as well as sliding mechanics, where uncoated TMA wires are inefficient.

Effect of electrical spot welding on load deflection rate of orthodontic wires.

One of the methods used for joining metals together is welding, which can be carried out using different techniques such as electric spot welding. This study evaluated the effect of electric spot welding on the load deflection rate of stainless steel and chromium-cobalt orthodontic wires. In this experimental-laboratory study, load deflection rate of 0.016 × 0.022 inch stainless steel and chromium cobalt wires were evaluated in five groups (n =18): group one: Stainless steel wires, group two: chromium-cobalt wires, group three: stainless steel wires welded to stainless steel wires, group four: Stainless steel wires welded to chromium-cobalt wires, group five: chromium-cobalt wire welded to chromium-cobalt wires. Afterward, the forces induced by the samples in 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm deflection were measured using a universal testing machine. Then mean force measured for each group was compared with other groups. The data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, and paired t-test by the SPSS software. The significance level was set as 0.05. The Tukey test showed that there were significant differences between the load deflection rates of welded groups compared to control ones (P < 0.001). Considering the limitation of this study, the electric spot welding process performed on stainless steel and chromium-cobalt wires increased their load deflection rates.

Comparative Assessment of Efficacy of Four Different Designs of Retraction Loops made of Beta Titanium Archwire: A Finite Element Study

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the forces, moments and moment/ force (M/F) ratio and load deflection rate of T-loop, keyhole loop, teardrop loop and mushroom loop with the finite element method (FEM).Materials and MethodsFEM was used to compare 3D models of closing loops in rectangular (0.017 × 0.025 inch) beta titanium wire. The T-loop, mushroom loop, keyhole loop and teardrop loop were 7 mm in height. The forces, the moments and the M/F ratios at each tooth node were recorded with an activation of 2 mm.ResultsThe highest force and moments was produced by the keyhole loop and the lowest force was produced by the mushroom loop.ConclusionAll the four retraction loops exerted the greatest force levels at the molar node. The maximum value for M/F ratio is seen at the central incisor followed by lateral incisor, molar and canine node. The keyhole loop demonstrated the least load deflection rate making it the most efficient design.How to cite this articlePatel AS, Ravindranath VK, Karandikar GR, Malik AS. Comparative Assessment of Efficacy of Four Different Designs of Retraction Loops made of Beta Titanium Archwire: A Finite Element Study. J Contemp Dent 2014;4(1): 6-9.

A comparative evaluation of mandibular incisor decrowding with coaxial and optiflex arch wires and their load-deflection rates.

Aim:The aim of this study is to determine and compare the load-deflection rate of optiflex arch wire with that of coaxial arch wire and to determine and compare the decrowding efficiency of optiflex arch wire with coaxial arch wire within a period of 45 days.Materials and Methods:Load-deflection rates of optiflex and coaxial wires were found using the INSTRON (4300) machine. A steady load was given to the wire to make it deflect, and the load required to deflect the wire for every 1 mm up to 5 mm, were noted and tabulated. A total of 10 patients, 10-25 years of age (seven males and three females) were selected. All patients had angles Class I malocclusion with a crowding discrepancy of 3-9 mm (according to little's index). All patients required first premolar extraction. Pre (0 day) and post (45th day) treatment study models and lateral cephalograms were taken for all patients and evaluated.Results:Optiflex had a low load-deflection when compared to coaxial wire. Clinically, optiflex and coaxial wire had similar decrowding efficiency. In both, study model and cephalometric analysis, there was no statistically significant value when comparing their mean variables.Conclusion:Optiflex is an appropriate wire for patients seeking esthetics during fixed appliance therapy as it combines esthetics and efficiency by delivering light continuous forces.

Force system evaluation of symmetrical beta-titanium T-loop springs preactivated by curvature and concentrated bends

The objective of this research was to compare the effect of preactivation on the force system of beta-titanium T-loop springs (TLSs). Twenty TLSs with dimensions of 6 × 10 mm, of 0.017 × 0.025-in beta-titanium alloy, were randomly divided into 2 groups according to their preactivation. By using a moment transducer coupled to a digital extensometer indicator adapted to a testing machine, the amounts of horizontal force and moment produced were recorded at every 0.5 mm of deactivation from 5 mm of the initial activation in an interbracket distance of 23 mm. The moment-to-force ratio, the "neutral position" and the load-deflection ratio were also calculated. TLSs preactivated by curvature delivered horizontal forces significantly lower than those preactivated by concentrated bends. No differences were found in relation to the moments produced throughout the deactivation of both groups. The moment-to-force ratios were systematically higher on the TLSs preactivated by curvature than those preactivated by concentrated bends, except on 5 mm of activation. Significant differences were found in the load-deflection rates and "neutral position." The TLSs preactivated by curvature delivered lower horizontal forces and higher moment-to-force and load-deflection ratios than did those preactivated by concentrated bends.

In vitro evaluation of physical vapor deposition coated beta titanium orthodontic archwires

To determine in vitro the frictional properties, surface morphology, and load deflection rate with looped designs of two newly developed titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) and tungsten carbide/carbon (WC/C) physical vapor deposition (PVD) coated beta titanium orthodontic archwires coated with PVD. Frictional properties with Tidy's protocol, surface evaluation before and after friction testing with the help of scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and load deflection rate with different orthodontic loops on Instron universal testing machine were evaluated. The results clearly indicate reduced frictional properties for WC/C coated archwires when compared with uncoated and TiAlN coated archwires. There were no significant surface alterations upon ESEM evaluation of friction tested archwires. Low load deflection rate was exhibited by both coated archwires, the difference in load deflection rate between the coated and uncoated archwires was statistically significant. WC/C coated wires can be recommended for even sliding mechanics due to reduced frictional properties, better surface characteristics, and low load deflection rate compared with TiAlN coated and uncoated archwires.