The effect of heat treatment on sliding mechanics of stainless steel orthodontic wires

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment (tempering) on the sliding mechanics of stainless steel Chrome Nickel (CrNi) orthodontic wires. Methods: A universal testing machine EMIC DL 2000 was used at a speed of 10 mm/minute for reading-out the sliding strength and friction between brackets and wires, by simulating the sliding mechanics in a fixed orthodontic appliance. The results were submitted to ANOVA variance test for statistical analysis at the level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The results indicated that depending on the type of bracket, wire and type of treatment, the groups without heat treatment showed higher mean static friction values, except for groups with CrNi GAC wire and conventional brackets, which showed no significant difference with and without heat treatment; and the group with self-ligated brackets and CrNi GAC wires that showed the lowest mean static friction values with heat treatment. Conclusion: The heat treatment reduced the static friction values on CrNi Morelli wires for any combination of brackets (conventional and self-ligated types) and commercial brands. For the CrNi GAC wires, there was a reduction in friction values only in the combination with In-Ovation R/GAC self-ligated brackets