ABSTRACT

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to test in vitro two types of golden brackets (Forever Gold 24K and Forever Gold) and one conventional stainless steel bracket (Mini Master) as control for sliding resistance in combination with nickel-titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) arch wires in four second-order angulations with respect to frictional force values.

Materials and Methods:

Since there are many factors affecting friction, all tests were performed in a dry environment without ligaturing using an electronic an-gulations unit and a universal test device. Arch wires were pulled through the slots with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute.

Results:

Statistical analyses showed that the primary effects ofall three factors that is namely bracket, wire material and angle were found significant in P<0.05 level. Under existing conditions the NiTi wires produced lower friction than those of SS in all three bracket types. Forever Gold brackets (zirconia plated) showed remarkable higher frictional values with NiTi and SS arch wires than the other two bracket types in all four tested angulati-ons (P<0.05). When the four second-order angles was kept constant, although Gold Forever 24K brackets demonstrated lower values with NiTi wires compared with stainless steel brackets there was no statistical significant difference for these two bracket types in terms oftheir overall frictional resistance (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

It should be considered that 24 carat fine gold plated slots in metal brackets or golden slot inserts in esthetic brackets could be effective in reducing frictional forces particularly during leveling stages.