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Comparative Evaluation of Frictional Resistance Among Passive Self-Ligating Brackets with Stainless Steel Arch wires
C K Ponnar1, Deenadayalan Purusothaman, Nidhi Angrish
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Introduction:
Friction at the bracket-archwire interface significantly influences sliding mechanics in orthodontics. Self-ligating brackets are designed to minimize friction and improve treatment efficiency. This study compared the kinetic frictional resistance of three passive self-ligating systems-Damon, Smart Clip, and Selfy-with stainless steel archwires.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 160 brackets (0.022-inch slot) were tested, equally distributed into Damon (n = 40), Smart Clip (n = 40), Selfy (n = 40) and Conventional stainless steel brackets (n = 40) groups. Each was evaluated with 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless steel archwires. Two brackets of each type were mounted on acrylic blocks with an interbracket distance of 8 mm. For the control group, conventional brackets were ligated using fresh elastomeric modules to ensure consistent ligation force. Tests were conducted in a dry environment using a universal testing machine, applying a 2 N tensile force over 10 mm at 1 mm/min. Kinetic frictional resistance was recorded in Newtons, using new wires for each test. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (P < 0.05).
Results:
Damon brackets demonstrated the lowest mean kinetic friction (2.57 ± 0.31 N), followed by Smart Clip (2.89 ± 0.21 N), Selfy (2.97 ± 0.17 N), and Control group (3.08 ± 0.31). Differences among groups were significant (H = 42.35, P < 0.001). Pairwise analysis showed Damon produced significantly less friction than Smart Clip, Selfy, and Control group (P < 0.001), while no difference was observed between Smart Clip and Selfy (P = 0.094).
Conclusion:
Bracket design substantially affects frictional resistance. Conventional elastomeric-ligated brackets generate the highest friction. Damon brackets generated significantly lower friction compared with Smart Clip and Selfy, which exhibited similar values. Passive self-ligating systems may therefore enhance biomechanical efficiency, though in vivo validation is warranted.
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