Comparison of the fractional characteristics of conventional vs self-ligating orthodontic brackets-an invitro observational study

Abstract

Background: The fractional characteristics (FC) of orthodontic brackets is an essential factor in determining the choice of available bracketing systems and the same is linked to treatment outcomes. The current study was conducted to evaluate the FC in conventional bracketing systems (CBS) and passive self-ligating bracket system(SLB) in wet and dry conditions. Material and Methods: An invitro observational study was conducted premolar 022 slot brackets between Group A [(conventional brackets; n=108) sub-divided into A1= Metal brackets / A2= Ceramic brackets, A3= Synergy brackets)with n=36 in each group] and group B [(Self ligating brackets; n=108sub-divided into B1= smart clip; B2= Empower and B3= Damon Q brackets) with n=36 in each group]. A 19x25 SS rectangular straight wire cut into 10mm each fragments were passed through the brackets of all these groups and FC were evaluated on an Instron universal testing machine in both wet and dry conditions. The intergroup values were compared byone-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post Hoc (Bonferroni) test for multiple group comparison, where p<0.05 were taken for significance. Results: The mean values of frictional characteristics of group groups A1,A2,A3, B1, B2 and B3 in dry medium were 4.99N, 5.83N 4.75N, 4.41N, 3.49N 1.46N and respectively. The mean values of frictional characteristics of groups A1,A2,A3, B1, B2 and B3 in wet condition were 5.83N, 8.24N, 5.82N, 5.16N, 4.24N and 2.34N respectively. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that Damon Q brackets to have least frictional characteristics. They were followed by empower self-ligating bracket, Smart clip self-ligating brackets, synergy brackets, metal brackets, ceramic brackets in the same order for both wet and dry conditions.