Comparative Evaluation of Frictional Forces of Conventional and Self-ligating Bracket Systems: An�in vitro�Study

Abstract

Aim: The study is undertaken to evaluate the frictional characteristics of four types of self-ligating brackets and a conventional bracket and also how it is affected by wet and dry conditions. A the effect of betatita o study the effect of Bita-titanium (beta-Ti) wires, also known as titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA), and stainless steel archwires on the friction coefficient. Materials and methods: 20 brackets each of Damon 3MX, Time 2, Innovation-R, Smart-Clip and Victory brackets were mounted and tested for friction 0.019" × 0.025" stainless steel (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California) and 0.019" × 0.025" TMA (Lancer Orthodontics) with and without saliva using LR100K (Lloyd instruments, Segensworth, Fareham, England) with a load cell of 10 kg at a constant crosshead speed of 1mm/minute for 10 minutes. Results: Time 2 and innovation R self-ligating brackets showed more friction than Smart Clip and Damon 3MX self-ligating brackets with SS and TMA archwires in both dry and wet states. In general self-ligating brackets with passive slide showed reduced friction as compared to self-ligating brackets with active clips. The archwire material and saliva had no effect in Smart Clip self-ligating brackets and conventional bracket. Stainless steel archwires gave lower frictional values than TMA archwires in wet conditions for Damon 3MX, Time 2 and Innovation R self-ligating brackets. Conclusion: Using only a so called low friction bracket will not assure the clinician the performance of low friction mechanics.