Abstract

INTRODUCTION Coated arch wires and ceramic brackets have been introduced to improve aesthetics during orthodontic treatment. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the effects of coating on the physical properties of aesthetic orthodontic wires. MATERIAL AND METHODS Five round wires (0.016 inch) were obtained from each of three brands: conventional uncoated super elastic Nickel Titanium (Ni-Ti) (Rematitian Lite; Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany), HUBIT (Teflon Coated, Korea), G&H (Epoxy Coated, Greenwood, Indiana, USA) which belonged to maxillary arch. Two types of standard ceramic brackets (conventional and metal-insert type, Ortho Technology, Tampa, Florida, USA) with the slot size of 0.022×0.028 inches were used. A simulation device was fabricated to resemble a model of human dental arch and each of the specimen was tested in three-point bending test. The test was conducted in the buccolingual plane with crosshead speed of 1mm/minute pressure from metal pole. Each sample was loaded until a deflection of 3.0 mm was produced. The mean values of maximum loading force, unloading force and clinical plateau length were recorded. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used at p<0.05. RESULTS Uncoated Ni-Ti arch wire showed higher mean values of maximum loading and unloading force than that of coated aesthetic wires similar to ceramic brackets while G&H wire and metal-insert ceramic brackets presented the lowest values. The longest clinical plateau length was observed in G&H wires and metal-insert ceramic bracket. CONCLUSION The coating processes for HUBIT (Teflon Coated, Korea), G&H (Epoxy Coated, Greenwood, Indiana, USA) wires might influence bending behaviour which can cause decrease in loading and unloading force.