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Resistance to sliding with 3 types of elastomeric modules
Helen Sylvia Griffiths1, Martyn Sherriff, Anthony John Ireland
1Bristol Dental Hospital and School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK.
Summary
Self-ligating brackets significantly reduce orthodontic friction compared to elastomeric modules. Super Slick modules showed higher friction than round modules but less than rectangular ones.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Mechanics
Background:
- A new polymeric-coated ligature, Super Slick, was introduced claiming reduced friction.
- Orthodontic ligatures play a crucial role in bracket-wire interactions and overall treatment efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frictional resistance of Super Slick modules against conventional round and rectangular elastomeric modules.
- To evaluate the frictional forces of these modules in conjunction with self-ligating brackets.
Main Methods:
- Tested stainless steel self-ligating and monocrystalline brackets with .022-in slots.
- Utilized .018-in and .019 x .025-in stainless steel wires in buccal segment models.
- Compared friction under dry and wet conditions for different bracket/module combinations.
Main Results:
- Self-ligating brackets exhibited near-zero friction across all tested conditions.
- Super Slick modules demonstrated intermediate friction, higher than round but lower than rectangular modules.
- Friction varied significantly between bracket and elastomeric module combinations.
Conclusions:
- Super Slick modules showed greater sliding resistance than round modules.
- Self-ligating brackets were superior in minimizing friction, effectively eliminating it under experimental conditions.
- Environmental conditions (wet vs. dry) and wire dimensions influenced frictional forces.