ABSTRACT
Although ceramic brackets have been used widely for improved esthetics during treatment, ceramic brackets have some inherent problems; brittleness, attrition of the opposing teeth and high frictional resistance. This study was performed to understand the frictional resistance of the ceramic brackets, as well as to be a helpful reference for finding the solutions to the problem of frictional resistance. Three different kinds of brackets were used; metal bracket, polycrystalline ceramic brackets with a metal slot to reduce the high frictional resistance and monocrystalline ceramic brackets. The brackets were tested with a .019 x .025 stainless steel wire with a second order angulation of 0 degrees and 10 degrees, and the static and kinetic frictional forces were measured on the universal testing machine. The results of this study showed that the ceramic brackets, especially the monocrystalline ceramic bracket without a metal slot, generated higher frictional resistance than the metal bracket, and the frictional resistance was increased as the angulation between the bracket slot and the wire increased. Therefore, the development of the ceramic bracket with reduced frictional resistance and the prevention of excessive crown tipping during orthodontic treatment will lead to the simultaneous attainment of more efficient and improved esthetic treatment goals.