Self-Ligation Esthetic Brackets with Low Frictional Resistance

OBJECTIVE: To test the frictional resistance forces (FRS) generated between several archwires and (1) interactive self-ligating (ISL) brackets and (2) conventionally ligated (CL) brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Frictional forces produced between three different archwire combinations and self-ligating (SL) brackets (ceramic and metal-slot or all-metal) and CL brackets (metal or ceramic) were evaluated in a dry environment. The three ISL brackets tested were In-Ovation-C, In-Ovation-R, and Damon 3. The three CL brackets were Mystique with Neo Clip, Clarity, and Ovation. Each bracket was tested with 0.020'' SS, 0.019'' x 0.025'' SS and 0.018'' x 0.018'' coated SS. RESULTS: The ISL brackets generally exhibited the lowest frictional forces irrespective of the bracket material and the wire size, and CL brackets exhibited consistently higher frictional forces. Mystique with Neo Clip produced the lowest frictional resistance of all brackets. The In-Ovation-C brackets demonstrated significantly lower frictional resistance than the SL brackets In-Ovation-R and Damon 3 as well as the CL brackets Clarity and Ovation. CONCLUSIONS: The ISL ceramic brackets produced the lowest frictional resistance of all the self-ligating brackets. The CL ceramic brackets produced the greatest friction.