Self-ligation esthetic brackets with low frictional resistance.
OBJECTIVE
To test the frictional resistance forces (FRS) generated between several archwires and (1) interactive self-ligating (ISL) brackets and (2) conventionally ligated (CL) brackets.


METHODS
Frictional forces produced between three different archwire combinations and self-ligating (SL) brackets (ceramic and metal-slot or all-metal) and CL brackets (metal or ceramic) were evaluated in a dry environment. The three ISL brackets tested were In-Ovation-C, In-Ovation-R, and Damon 3. The three CL brackets were Mystique with Neo Clip, Clarity, and Ovation. Each bracket was tested with 0.020'' SS, 0.019'' x 0.025'' SS and 0.018'' x 0.018'' coated SS.


RESULTS
The ISL brackets generally exhibited the lowest frictional forces irrespective of the bracket material and the wire size, and CL brackets exhibited consistently higher frictional forces. Mystique with Neo Clip produced the lowest frictional resistance of all brackets. The In-Ovation-C brackets demonstrated significantly lower frictional resistance than the SL brackets In-Ovation-R and Damon 3 as well as the CL brackets Clarity and Ovation.


CONCLUSIONS
The ISL ceramic brackets produced the lowest frictional resistance of all the self-ligating brackets. The CL ceramic brackets produced the greatest friction.
Voudouris
John C
JC
Department of Orthodontics, New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA. jvoud@pathcom.com
Schismenos
Christos
C
Lackovic
Kresimir
K
Kuftinec
Mladen M
MM
D002516:Ceramics / Q000737:chemistry; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008422:Materials Testing; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement / Q000737:chemistry; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
D003722:Dental Alloys; D020724:Elastomers; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D019279:Resin Cements; C477790:Transbond XT; D013193:Stainless Steel; C005506:polycarbonate