Evaluation of Torque Associated Slot Deformation in Conventional Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets

Abstract

Human beings are giving more importance to the facial esthetics newlineirrespective of the age. The proper orientation of teeth in jaws is vital to achieve the newlinefacial esthetics along with effective chewing, speaking and to improve a person s newlineself-confidence in their day-to-day activities. According to a survey, adults newlineundergoing orthodontic treatment are rapidly increasing every year across the world. newlineIn dentistry, orthodontists are solving the improper alignment of teeth for cosmetic newlineand functional improvement. To correct the improper alignment of teeth, fixed newlineappliances are used by orthodontists. During fixed appliance therapy, appliances newlinenamely orthodontic bracket, archwire and ligatures are used to correct the newlinemisalignment of teeth. Orthodontic brackets and archwires are available with newlinedifferent types of geometry, material and dimension. The distortion in bracket, newlinetorque loss, fracture of bracket and friction in contact surfaces are major concerns newlineduring treatment. The orthodontic bracket dimensions are varying for every bracket newlinewhich impacts the archwire play in the bracket slot and in-turn the force / torque newlineapplied in the bracket slot. The archwires are twisted to apply different magnitudes newlineof torque, to refine teeth position during finishing. During torquing, the arch wire is newlinetwisted inside the bracket slot generating forces, which are transmitted to the tooth. newlineThese forces could deform the bracket slot in addition to the tooth movement. Such newlineslot deformation has significant clinical importance as it is one of the relevant newlinefactors in the expression of torque. Hence, the understanding of torque associated newlinebracket slot deformation is important newline