The Effect of Flouride Prophylactic Agents on the Mechanical Properties and Surface Topography of Orthodontic Arch Wires-an in Vitro Study

Orthodontic mechanotherapy encompasses the use of several archwlres during specific stages of treatment. Stainless steel, Nickel titanium (NITI), thermally activated Nickel titanium (CuNiTi), & b titanium (TMA) wires are the ones predominantly In use. The efficiency of sliding mechanics depends upon minimizing friction at the bracket arch wire interface. Friction may be Influenced by several factors such as the force with which the archwlre contacts the brackets, the contact angle between the archwire and bracket as well as the surface characteristics of the brackets and archwires. Alteration of the surface characteristics of archwires by way of pitting and corrosion of the surface would add to the coefficient of friction in the mechanics, thereby compromiSing the sliding of brackets along archwlres.