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Friction between different wire bracket combinations in artificial saliva--an in vitro evaluation
Tatiana Kelly da Silva Fidalgo1, Matheus Melo Pithon, José Vinicius Bolognesi Maciel
1Dental School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Journal of Applied Oral Science : Revista FOB
|March 26, 2011
Summary
The study found that stainless steel wires with ceramic brackets generate the highest friction, while metal brackets offer the lowest friction. This highlights the importance of material selection in orthodontic treatment for optimal results.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontic Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tribology
Background:
- Friction between orthodontic brackets and wires is a critical factor influencing treatment efficiency and patient comfort.
- Understanding the tribological properties of different bracket-wire combinations is essential for optimizing orthodontic mechanics.
- Simulating the oral environment is crucial for accurate assessment of material interactions in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the friction coefficient between various orthodontic bracket and wire materials.
- To compare the tribological performance of different bracket-wire systems under simulated oral conditions.
- To identify bracket-wire combinations that minimize friction for improved orthodontic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Tested stainless steel (SS) and titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) wires with polycarbonate, ceramic, and metal brackets.
- Assessed friction coefficient using mechanical traction in artificial saliva.
- Measured surface roughness of wires and bracket slots using a surface profilometer.
Main Results:
- The highest surface roughness was observed with TMA wire and polycarbonate brackets.
- Stainless steel wire combined with ceramic brackets exhibited the highest friction coefficient.
- Metal brackets demonstrated the lowest friction coefficient across tested wire types.
Conclusions:
- The combination of stainless steel wires and ceramic brackets should be used with caution due to high friction.
- Material selection significantly impacts the friction experienced in orthodontic systems.
- Further research into low-friction bracket-wire interfaces is warranted for enhanced orthodontic treatment.
