title: In vitro evaluation of resistance to sliding in self-ligating and conventional bracket systems during dental alignment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the resistance to sliding (RS) in self-ligating and conventional ligation bracket systems at 5 different second-order bracket angulations by using low-stiffness alignment wires in a 3-bracket experimental model and to verify the performance of the main RS components in both systems when these wires are used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interactive self-ligating brackets with closed and open slides were used for the self-ligating (SL) and conventional ligation (CL) groups, respectively; elastomeric ligatures (1 mm inner diameter) were used in the latter system. The alignment wire used was 0.014 inch heat-activated NiTi (austenitic finish temperature set at 36℃ by the manufacturer). A custom-made testing machine was used to measure frictional resistance. Tests were repeated 5 times at every angulation simulated. All data were analyzed statistically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The RS increased significantly with increasing angulation in both SL and CL groups (p < 0.0001). However, the RS values were significantly higher at every angulation (p < 0.0001) in the CL group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the relevance of the binding phenomenon, ligation forces predominantly affect the RS when low-stiffness alignment wires are used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cordasco
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lo Giudice
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Militi
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nucera
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Triolo
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Matarese
keywords: Bracket; Wire