Efficacy of Super Slick elastomeric modules in reducing friction during sliding: a comparative in vitro study

To evaluate and compare the frictional resistance produced by Super Slick modules during sliding with four different types of brackets and four ligature types both in conventional and figure-of-8 ligation method with saliva as lubricant.

The frictional resistance was evaluated by using four different ligatures on 0.019" × 0.025" stainless steel (SS) archwires using four different brackets using an universal testing machine with unstimulated saliva as a lubricant. Mean and SD values were calculated. Data was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance ANOVA with post hoc test.

The results showed that self-ligating brackets produced least frictional forces. Among all other tested combinations,Tefon-coated SS ligatures in ceramic with metal slot brackets produced least coefficient of static and kinetic friction and full ceramic brackets ligated with Super Slick elastomeric modules demonstrated the highest, with other combinations falling in between.

Super Slick elastomeric modules, produced highest coefficient of both static and kinetic friction with the conventional and figure-of-8 ligation technique even in wet conditions using natural fresh human saliva.

Both static and kinetic frictional resistance play an important role during sliding mechanics. Various factors have been attributed for friction. However, bracket type, archwire material, type of ligature and method of ligation are important variables. Recently polymeric coated slick elastomeric modules were introduced with the claim that they produce very low frictional forces in wet condition. Contrary to the claim made by the manufacturers of Super Slick elastomeric modules, they produced highest coefficient of both static and kinetic friction with the conventional and figure-of-8 ligation technique.