A Comparison of Surface Characteristics, Coating Stability and Friction Coefficients of Esthetic Archwires: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this article is to evaluate coated orthodontic aligning archwires for surface characteristics, coating stability, and associated dynamic frictional resistance and to compare and relate these results to each other. Materials and Methods: The archwire investigated were (1) group 1: American orthodontics (0.016 NiTi) (AO); (2) group 2: G and H Wire Company, USA (0.016) (G and H); (3) group 3: Orthosystems (0.016) (OS); and (4) group 4: Forestadent, Bio Cosmetic (0.017) (BC) Surface roughness (ESEM), coating stability, and frictional resistance were tested. Analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were used for analysis. Results: Frictional resistance from low to high—BC, AO, OS, G, and H. Coating stability from low to high—BC, AO, G and H, and OS. Surface characteristics from low to high—BC, OS, AO, G, and H. Conclusions: The study showed that BC has least friction coefficient, best coating stability, and less surface irregularities. Surface characteristics, friction coefficient, and coating stability may have correlation but are not statistically significant because of multifactorial conditions in the oral environment.