Comparison of static friction between stainless steel and ceramic orthodontic brackets using stainless steel and titanium molybdenum alloy archwires with different ligation techniques: An in-vitro study

Abstract

Background: Friction generated at the bracket-archwire interface plays a critical zole in orthodontic sliding mechanics and may influence the efficiency of rthodontic tooth movement. A considerable portion of orthodontic force applied during treatment may be dissipated while overcoming frictional resistance between the bracket slot and archwire surface. Aim: The present in‑vitro study was conducted to evaluate and compare static friction between stainless steel and ceramic orthodontic brackets using stainless steel and titanium molybdenum alloy archwires with different ligation techniques. Materials and Methods: Forty‑eight orthodontic brackets were included in the study, consisting of 24 stainless steel brackets and 24 ceramic brackets. Two types of archwire alloys (0.019 × 0.025‑inch stainless steel and titanium molybdenum alloy wires) were tested using stainless steel ligatures and elastomeric ligatures. Static friction was measured using a Universal Testing Machine under standardized laboratory conditions. Results: Stainless steel bracket-stainless steel wire combinations demonstrated the lowest friction values (1.63-1.75 N), whereas ceramic bracket-TMA wire combinations demonstrated the highest friction values (5.67-5.77 N). Conclusion: Bracket material, archwire alloy and ligation technique significantly influence friction during orthodontic sliding mechanics