Experimental friction and deflection forces of orthodontic leveling archwires in three-bracket model experiments

ConclusionsOrthodontic tooth movement is quasi-static. This concerns the initial hyalinization phase in particular. Thus, especially static testing of archwires provides valid reference data for the peak forces exerted directly after clinical insertion of a  leveling wire. In dynamic wire testing, significant underestimation of actual forces exerted on individual teeth may occur due to experimental friction, which might considerably differ from that occurring during clinical therapy. This aspect has to be taken into account in the interpretation of pu blished stiffness values for orthodontic wires, and in the selection of the appropriate archwire for leveling of the present tooth malposition, respectively.
Source: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research