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Frictional resistances of different bracket-wire combinations
Rupali Kapur Wadhwa1, Hyue Kyung Kwon, John M Close
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dentistry, The University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. rkapur@dental.pitt.edu
Australian Orthodontic Journal
|July 6, 2004
Summary
Reducing ceramic bracket width and slot base contouring significantly lowers friction. Metal lining also reduces frictional resistance in ceramic brackets, improving orthodontic treatment efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Mechanics
Background:
- Frictional resistance in ceramic brackets is a key concern in orthodontics.
- Strategies to reduce friction include slot lining and slot base modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare static and kinetic frictional resistance of ceramic brackets with metal-lined slots and different slot designs.
- To evaluate the influence of bracket width and slot base contour on friction.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of four bracket types (CL, MT, CO, TR) with varying slot designs and widths.
- Utilized stainless steel, nickel titanium, and beta titanium wires in two sizes (0.018x0.025 and 0.021x0.025 inches).
- Employed an Instron Universal Testing Machine to measure static and kinetic friction.
Main Results:
- No significant friction differences were observed with smaller wires (0.018x0.025 inch).
- Narrower ceramic brackets (CO) with rounded slot bases showed lower kinetic friction.
- Wider brackets (TR) and certain wire types (beta-Ti) exhibited higher static and kinetic friction.
Conclusions:
- Ceramic bracket friction can be effectively reduced by metal slot lining.
- Decreasing bracket width and rounding the slot base are viable methods to minimize friction.