Comparison of force loss during sliding of low friction and conventional TMA orthodontic archwires

Abstract

Abstract Objective The goal was to measure and compare the amount of force loss during tooth movement guided by archwires, including a newly introduced low-friction titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), conventional TMA, and stainless steel archwires. Methods The force loss was measured using a specialized biomechanical set-up, the orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS). A total of 30 specimen were used (10 low-friction TMA (TMA-Low), 10 conventional TMA (TMA-C), and 10 stainless steel (SS) archwires, each having a dimension of 0.016 × 0.022 inches). The conventional and low friction TMA archwires served as test groups, while the SS archwires served as the control group. Results The mean values of force loss between the three types of wires (TMA‑C, TMA-Low, and SS) were significantly different (p < 0.0001). The highest mean force loss during sliding movement was found in the conventional TMA group (72.1%), followed by low friction TMA (48.8%) and stainless steel wires (33.7%) in a descending order. Conclusion The friction property of the low friction TMA archwire was superior to the conventional TMA archwire but was still inferior to the stainless steel archwire.