Comparison of the frictional characteristics of aesthetic orthodontic brackets measured using a modified in vitro technique.
10.4041/kjod.2015.45.1.29
- Author:
Nursel ARICI
1
;
Berat Serdar AKDENIZ
;
Selim ARICI
Author Information
1. Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. nurselarici@omu.edu.tr
- Publication Type:In Vitro ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Brackets;
Archwires;
Coefficient of friction;
Tribometer
- MeSH:
Aluminum Oxide;
Ceramics;
Friction*;
Orthodontic Brackets*;
Stainless Steel
- From:The Korean Journal of Orthodontics
2015;45(1):29-37
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The coefficients of friction (COFs) of aesthetic ceramic and stainless steel brackets used in conjunction with stainless steel archwires were investigated using a modified linear tribometer and special computer software, and the effects of the bracket slot size (0.018 inches [in] or 0.022 in) and materials (ceramic or metal) on the COF were determined. METHODS: Four types of ceramic (one with a stainless steel slot) and one conventional stainless steel bracket were tested with two types of archwire sizes: a 0.017 x 0.025-in wire in the 0.018-in slots and a 0.019 x 0.025-in wire in the 0.022-in slot brackets. For pairwise comparisons between the 0.018-in and 0.022-in slot sizes in the same bracket, an independent sample t-test was used. One-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test at the 95% confidence level (alpha = 0.05) were also used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the 0.022-in and 0.018-in slot sizes for the same brand of bracket. ANOVA also showed that both slot size and bracket slot material had significant effects on COF values (p < 0.001). The ceramic bracket with a 0.022-in stainless steel slot showed the lowest mean COF (micro = 0.18), followed by the conventional stainless steel bracket with a 0.022-in slot (micro = 0.21). The monocrystalline alumina ceramic bracket with a 0.018-in slot had the highest COF (micro = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Brackets with stainless steel slots exhibit lower COFs than ceramic slot brackets. All brackets show lower COFs as the slot size increases.
