title: Three-dimensional deformation of orthodontic brackets.
abstract: Braces are used by orthodontists to correct the misalignment of teeth in the mouth. Archwire rotation is a particular procedure used to correct tooth inclination. Wire rotation can result in deformation to the orthodontic brackets, and an orthodontic torque simulator has been designed to examine this wire-bracket interaction. An optical technique has been employed to measure the deformation due to size and geometric constraints of the orthodontic brackets. Images of orthodontic brackets are collected using a stereo microscope and two charge-coupled device cameras, and deformation of orthodontic brackets is measured using a three-dimensional digital image correlation technique. The three-dimensional deformation of orthodontic brackets will be evaluated. The repeatability of the three-dimensional digital image correlation measurement method was evaluated by performing 30 archwire rotation tests using the same bracket and archwire. Finally, five Damon 3MX and five In-Ovation R self-ligating brackets will be compared using this technique to demonstrate the effect of archwire rotation on bracket design.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Garrett W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Melenka
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Nobes
authors.forename: Paul W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Major
authors.forename: Jason P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Carey
keywords: Digital image correlation; archwire; deformation; orthodontic bracket; stereo microscope