title: Surface roughness of orthodontic archwires via laser spectroscopy.
abstract: Using specular reflectance, the surface roughness of six representative orthodontic archwire products was determined. Among the four alloy groups which are commonly used in orthodontics, stainless steel appears the smoothest, followed by cobalt-chrome, beta titanium, and nickel-titanium. A clearer understanding of the parameters which contribute to sliding mechanics will be possible when these results are combined with future experiments on the coefficient of friction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7455.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Kusy
authors.forename: J Q
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Whitley
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mayhew
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Buckthal
mesh_terms: D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D002858:Chromium Alloys; D003722:Dental Alloys; D007834:Lasers; D009532:Nickel; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D002858:Chromium Alloys; D003722:Dental Alloys; C023988:beta titanium; C040654:titanium nickelide; D013193:Stainless Steel; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium