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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
08:46
Force System with Vertical V-Bends: A 3D In Vitro Assessment of Elastic and Rigid Rectangular Archwires
Published on: July 24, 2018
Forces released during sliding mechanics with passive self-ligating brackets or nonconventional elastomeric ligatures
Lorenzo Franchi1, Tiziano Baccetti, Matteo Camporesi
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. l.franchi@odonto.unifi.it
Summary
Passive self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and nonconventional elastomeric ligatures (NCEL) significantly reduce friction during orthodontic sliding mechanics compared to conventional elastomeric ligatures (CEL). These low-friction options offer an effective alternative for orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Mechanics
Background:
- Orthodontic treatment often involves sliding mechanics, where friction between brackets and archwires can impede tooth movement.
- Minimizing frictional forces is crucial for efficient and effective orthodontic therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frictional forces generated by four types of passive stainless steel self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and two types of elastomeric ligatures (nonconventional elastomeric ligatures - NCEL, and conventional elastomeric ligatures - CEL).
- To evaluate the efficacy of SLBs and NCEL in reducing friction during sliding mechanics.
Main Methods:
- An experimental model utilizing five aligned stainless steel 0.022-inch brackets was employed.
- Frictional forces were measured using a 0.019 x 0.025-inch stainless steel archwire with SLBs, NCEL, and CEL.
Main Results:
- Both SLBs and NCEL generated significantly lower static and kinetic frictional forces (less than 2 grams) compared to CEL (greater than 500 grams).
- No statistically significant differences in frictional forces were observed among the different types of SLBs, nor between SLBs and NCEL.
Conclusions:
- Passive self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and nonconventional elastomeric ligatures (NCEL) are effective alternatives for achieving low friction during orthodontic sliding mechanics.
- The findings support the use of SLBs and NCEL for potentially more efficient orthodontic tooth movement.
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