Korean J Orthod.  2010 Jun;40(3):156-166. 10.4041/kjod.2010.40.3.156.

Changes in surface roughness of bracket and wire after experimental sliding - preliminary study using an atomic force microscopy

• Lee TH
• Park KH
• Jeon JY
• Kim SJ
• Park HK
• Park YG

• KMID: 1459569
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4041/kjod.2010.40.3.156

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The surface roughness of orthodontic materials is an essential factor that determines the coefficient of friction and the effectiveness of tooth movement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surface roughness change of the brackets and wires after experimental sliding quantitatively.
METHODS
Before and after experimental sliding tests, the surface roughness of stainless steel brackets, ceramic brackets, stainless steel wires, and beta-titanium (TMA) wires were investigated and compared using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
RESULTS
After sliding tests, changes in the surface of the wire were greater than changes in the bracket slot surface. The surface roughness of the stainless steel bracket was not significantly increased after sliding test, whereas the roughness of ceramic brackets was decreased. Both the surface roughness of stainless steel and TMA wires were increased after sliding test. More changes were observed on the ceramic bracket than the stainless steel bracket.
CONCLUSIONS
AFM is a valuable research tool when analyzing the surface roughness of the brackets and wires quantitatively.

Keyword

Bracket; Friction; Surface roughness; Atomic force microscopy

MeSH Terms

Ceramics
Friction
Microscopy, Atomic Force
Stainless Steel
Tooth Movement
Ceramics
Stainless Steel