Comparison of friction produced by two types of orthodontic bracket protectors.
BACKGROUND
Fixed orthodontic appliances have been regarded as a common causative factor of oral lesions. To manage soft tissue discomfort, most orthodontists recommend using a small amount of utility wax over the brackets in order to alleviate trauma. This in vitro study aimed at evaluating friction generated by two types of bracket protectors (customized acetate protector [CAP] and temporary resin protector [TRP]) during the initial stages of orthodontic treatment.


METHODS
An experimental model (test unit) was used to assess friction. In order to measure the friction produced in each test, the model was attached to a mechanical testing machine which simulated maxillary canines alignment. Intergroup comparison was carried out by one-way ANOVA with level of significance set at 5%.


RESULTS
The friction presented by the TRP group was statistically higher than that of the control group at 6 mm. It was also higher than in the control and CAP groups in terms of maximum friction.


CONCLUSIONS
The customized acetate protector (CAP) demonstrated not to interfere in friction between the wire and the orthodontic bracket slot.
Steyner
S
de Lima Mendonça
Otávio José
OJ
Praxedes Neto
Patricia Teixeira
PT
de Oliveira
Patricia Bittencourt Dutra
PB
dos Santos
Fábio Henrique
FH
de Sá Leitão Pinheiro
D000085:Acetates / Q000737:chemistry*; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
D000085:Acetates; D003188:Composite Resins; D003722:Dental Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D013193:Stainless Steel; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium
Friction; Orthodontic brackets; Orthodontics