The study of frictional force in self-ligating orthodontic brackets

Abstract

© 2017 Int. J. Mech. Eng. Rob. Res. This study was conducted to evaluate the frictional force level among self-ligating ceramic brackets compared with conventional ceramic brackets, self-ligating stainless steel brackets, and conventional stainless steel brackets. Each tested bracket were mounted in passive ligation with the tested wire on the customized jig. Each bracket and wire (0.016 x 0.022" SS) combinations were tested under Universal Testing machine (Instron) with the sliding velocity of 1mm./min and a load cell of 50 newtons. All data were statistically analyzed by a Kruskal Wallis and a Mann Withney U tests. (p < 0.05). The results showed significant difference in frictional force among all 4 types of brackets when they were compared to each other. The self-ligating metal brackets produced the lowest frictional force followed by self-ligating ceramic brackets, conventional metal brackets and conventional ceramic brackets, respectively. Therefore, self-ligating ceramic bracket is likely to be a good alternative appliance of choice to solve the problem of frictional force for those patients with esthetic concern during orthodontic treatment.