A comparative evaluation of frictional resistance and surface roughness of silver coated and uncoated stainless-steel bracket wire assembly- An in-vitro study

Silver ions act as potent antimicrobial agents. Silver coating of brackets and the archwires can help reduce the formation of white spot lesions and caries which is commonly seen with fixed orthodontic treatment. However, this may affect the friction and surface roughness of the bracket-wire assembly which in turn affects the biological tooth movement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 samples were included in the study which was divided into four groups. Group-1: * 15 silver coated 0.022 x 0.028" slot MBT prescription maxillary central incisor brackets * 15 silver coated 0.019 x 0.025" stainless-steel wires; Group-2: * 15 uncoated 0.022 x 0.028" slot MBT prescription maxillary central in…