Evaluation of the effect of different toothpastes on the frictional resistance of aesthetic archwires: an in vitro study

there has been a trend for using aesthetic orthodontic treatment by many patients recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the brushing effect of three brands of toothpaste on the frictional resistance of two brands of aesthetic archwires (in wet conditions). in this study, two brands of fully coated aesthetic archwires, Teflon-coated and Epoxy-coated archwires, were utilized in the study. Forty segments from the straight ends of each archwire were cut (total of 80 wires), inserted into ceramic brackets and ligated with the conventional figure "O" elastomeric ligatures (bonded on CNC blocks). Every ten pieces for each type of aesthetic archwire were brushed for one minute daily for thirty days with three types of toothpaste (Ortho. Kin, GUMOrtho and LACALUT White & Repair) and distilled water (except ten pieces for each type of aesthetic archwire were brushed only with distilled water and without toothpaste). These CNC blocks were tested using an Instron Tinius Olsen machine with distilled water. The tests used for statistical analysis were an Independent t-test and an ANOVA test at a 0.05 level of significance. The study showed no significant difference in static and kinetic frictional resistance between the coated archwire and the kinds of toothpaste. The orthodontists can use either Epoxy or Teflon-coated archwires for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (working stage) who are using either type of toothpaste (Ortho. Kin, GUMOrtho or LACALUT White & Repair) for maintenance of oral hygiene. Keywords: Aesthetic archwires, Friction, Toothpaste