In vitro sliding residence/frictional characteristics of orthodontic brackets and archwires

Abstract

A biomechanical and tribological study for surface roughness, lubrication and bracket materials is investigated. The study is designed to determine the suitability of NUS-developed aesthetic composite brackets and archwires, martensitic-coated archwires. The sliding force involved in a ligated bracket-archwire combination is measured by self-designed jig. To improve analysis of the active configuration, a mathematical model is developed. A comparative study of experimental and mathematical frictional resistance is illustrated for progressive wear damage. Although penetrations through the soft matrix and soft coating are observed on many brackets and archwires specimens, the glass-fiber reinforcement within the composite brackets and archwires is undamaged for most of the conditions tested but exposed severely. This finding implies that the risk of glass fiber and coating release during clinical use would not be eliminated. The main contribution made in this thesis is that the presence of saliva had a consistent effect to increase the friction.