Using specular reflectance, the surface roughness of six representative orthodontic archwire products was determined. Among the four alloy groups which are commonly used in orthodontics, stainless steel appears the smoothest, followed by cobalt-chrome, beta titanium, and nickel-titanium. A clearer understanding of the parameters which contribute to sliding mechanics will be possible when these results are combined with future experiments on the coefficient of friction.
Presented, in part, at the 65th General Session of the I.A.D.R. and the Annual Session of the A.A.D.R., March, 1987, Chicago, IL.
Abstract
Contributor Notes
Robert Kusy is Associate Professor of Orthodontics / Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina Dental Research Center in Chapel Hill. He holds M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering and Ph.D. in Materials Science degrees from Drexel University
John Whitley is a Research Technician in the Dental Research Center at the University of North Carolina. He holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University
Michael Mayhew is in private practice in Boone, North Carolina. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Catawba College, and D.D.S., M.S. in Pediatric Dentistry, and M.S. in Orthodontics degrees from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill
James Buckthal is in private practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. He holds a B.A. degree in Chemistry, D.D.S. and M.S. in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill