Forces released during sliding mechanics with passive self-ligating brackets or nonconventional elastomeric ligatures.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the frictional forces generated by 4 types of passive stainless steel self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and by nonconventional elastomeric ligatures (NCEL) and conventional elastomeric ligatures (CEL) during sliding mechanics.


METHODS
An experimental model consisting of 5 aligned stainless steel 0.022-in brackets was used to assess frictional forces produced by the SLBs, NCEL, and CEL with a 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel wire.


RESULTS
Significantly smaller static and kinetic forces were generated by the SLBs and NCEL (<2 g) compared with the CEL (>500 g). No significant differences were found within the different types of SLBs, or between these and the NCEL.


CONCLUSIONS
SLBs and NCEL are valid alternatives for low friction during sliding mechanics.
Franchi
Lorenzo
L
Department of Orthodontics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. l.franchi@odonto.unifi.it
Baccetti
Tiziano
T
Camporesi
Matteo
M
Barbato
Ersilia
E
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D020724:Elastomers; D017276:Friction; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D013193:Stainless Steel
D003722:Dental Alloys; D020724:Elastomers; D013193:Stainless Steel