Effect of different ligation designs of self-ligating orthodontic brackets on friction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three different ligation designs of self-ligating orthodontic bracket systems (SLBs) on friction, under wet and dry conditions. Universal testing machine was used to slide forty brackets of four different bracket types (twenty passive self-ligating brackets PSLBs, ten active self-ligating brackets ASLB, and ten preadjusted brackets with conventional elastomeric O-ties) along 0.019×0.025 stainless steel (SS) wire segments at crosshead speed 8mm/min. Testing was done under dry and wet conditions. Statistical analysis of collected data revealed that all three tested SLB types displayed significantly lower frictional forces (FF) than conventional brackets with conventional elastomeric O-ties (CEL) under both dry and wet conditions. Both tested PSLB types displayed significantly lower frictional forces than tested ASLB type, under both dry and wet conditions.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Bracket Systems’ Kinetic Friction: Conventional and Self-Ligating

“…A similar test was conducted in wet conditions. The tree types of self-ligating brackets displayed lower frictional forces when compared to conventional brackets, and the passive self-ligating brackets exerted less friction than the active self-ligating brackets in these conditions [15]. In the case of the conventional bracket system, the elastomeric ties generated less friction than the stainless steel ligatures.…”

“…Other research has focused on testing incisor brackets by sliding the archwire through multiple braces [14]. Similar research [15] involved sliding straight sections of archwire through canine brackets. This study also has the advantage of testing curved wires, reflecting the intraoral treatment, whereby the sliding mechanics approach do not apply to perfectly straight sections.…”