Comparison of the friction forces delivered by different elastomeric patterns and metal ligature on conventional metal brackets with a NiTi arch wire versus a self-ligating system: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure the frictional resistance of different types of ligatures used on conventional and self-ligating brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monoblock (conventional) and Portia (self-ligating) brackets were used and the archwire used was nickel-titanium. On conventional brackets the ligatures tested were the Elastomeric type and steel 0.30 tie-wire. The groups were divided according to the ligature types (n=8): (1) conventional elastomeric ligature; (2) relaxed conventional elastomeric ligature; (3) elastomeric ligature in shape-8; (4) double vertical elastomeric ligatures; (5) double-crossed elastomeric ligatures; (6) crossed ligature; (7) steel wire ligature; and (8) self-ligating ligature (self-ligating bracket). A segment of five brackets, each ligature types, was mounted. The archwire, between the bracket and the ligature, was connected on Instron(R) Universal test machine to simulate the frictional resistance. The maximum frictional resistance was obtained, and the mean values were submitted to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's post-hoc test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The elastomeric ligature in shape-8 showed the highest value compared with other groups (P<0.05). Although the crossed elastomeric ligature presented the lowest mean value and it was not statistically different regarding relaxed conventional elastomeric ligature, steel wire ligature and self-ligating (P>/=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frictional resistance was influenced by ligature types. Elastomeric Ligature in shape-8 showed the highest frictional force. Crossed Elastomeric Ligature had the lowest frictional force value.