Prophylaxis protocols and their impact on bracket friction force

Sliding behaviour and surface quality after static air polishing of conventional and modern bracket materials : In vitro analysis

OBJECTIVES

As part of orthodontic treatment, air polishing is routinely used for professional tooth cleaning. Thus, we investigated the effects of static powder polishing on sliding behaviour and surface quality of three different bracket materials (polymer, ceramic, metal), including a 3D-printed bracket.

METHODS

Two bracket types of each material group were polished with an air-polishing device using sodium bicarbonate. Exposure times were set at 10, 20, and 60 s; the application distance was 5 mm. The force loss due to sliding resistance was tested with an orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS) using a 0.016 inch × 0.022 inch stainless steel archwire. Untreated brackets served as control. Polishing effects and slot precision were evaluated using an optical digital and scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

Sliding behaviour and slot precision differed significantly between and within the groups. Prior to polishing, polymer brackets showed the least force loss, ceramic brackets the highest. With progressive polishing time, the resistance increased significantly with titanium brackets (26 to 37%) and decreased significantly with steel brackets (36 to 25%). Polymer brackets showed the smallest changes in force loss with respect to polishing duration. Slot precision showed the largest differences between material groups and was primarily manufacturer-dependent with hardly any changes due to the polishing time.

CONCLUSION

Powder polishing can positively or negatively affect the sliding properties of the bracket-archwire complex but is more dependent on the bracket-archwire material combination (i.e., manufacture-dependent slot precision). For titanium brackets, resistance only increased after 60 s of polishing. For ceramic brackets, effective reduction was observed after 10 s of polishing. Polymer brackets, including the 3D-printed brackets, showed better sliding properties than ceramic or metal brackets even after polishing for 60 s. Removal of plaque and dental calculus should lead to a noticeable improvement of the sliding properties and outweighs structural defects that may develop.

Comparison of friction of metallic and ceramic brackets during sliding mechanics after prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate jet: An in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

An in vitro experimental study was carried out with the objective to compare the friction in aesthetic and metallic brackets after prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate jet during sliding mechanics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aesthetic monocrystalline (n=24) and polycrystalline (n=24) and metallic brackets (n=24) were used. Each group of brackets was divided into two groups, as follows: the first group received prophylaxis with a bicarbonate jet, while the second group did not. An acrylic plate was attached to the base fixature of the Instron 4411 universal testing machine, simulating the retraction movement of the canine during sliding mechanics. The bracket was pulled at a speed of 0.5mm/minute over a distance of 0.5mm. The data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test.

RESULTS

After the sodium bicarbonate jet, conventional metal brackets showed less friction (P<0.05). While the aesthetic brackets did not show significant difference in friction between the exposed and non-exposed groups with the sodium bicarbonate jet (P>0.05), the polycrystalline brackets showed greater friction when compared to the other groups of brackets.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate jet did not influence the resistance to friction in aesthetic brackets; however, metal brackets showed a significant decrease in friction after prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate jet. Our results suggest that the abrasion of the sodium bicarbonate particles can cause micromorphological changes, which may influence the friction; however, studies with scanning electron microscopy are necessary.