The Influence of Different Ligature Materials on Frictional Coefficient of Slided Bracket on Arch Wire

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the frictional coefficients of different ligature materials with combination of stainless
steel arch wire and bracket. Materials and methods: Ten ligatures were used for each of stainless
steel, elastotomeric and teflon utilized with stainless steel arch wires and brackets. A simulated half
arch fixed apparatus was designed for measuring the static and kinetic frictional coefficient of the slide
bracket incorporated with tensile testing machine. The data were analyzed by using the descriptive and
variance analyses of tests (ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range test at p≤ 0.05) to reveal the significant
difference of the frictional coefficient among the three types of ligature materials. Results: It was
disclosed that the elastomeric ligature had a very highly significant increased mean value of the static
and kinetic frictional coefficients as compared with other ligatures. Conclusions: The elastomeric ligature
is not recommended for use with sliding stainless steel bracket on the arch wire.