Engineering Mechanics

Proceedings Vol. 31 (2025)

ENGINEERING MECHANICS 2025

Copyright © 2025 Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague

 

Słomion M., Koczorowski W., Mazurkiewicz A., Wawroń W.
pages 189 - 192, full text

The effectiveness of treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance largely depends on the condition of the bracket slot surface. A high surface roughness increases friction, causes greater wear, hinders tooth movement, and promotes bacterial biofilm retention. In this study, the surface condition of orthodontic bracket slots made of different materials (stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium) was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The research evaluated both the quality of the bracket slot surface and its chemical composition. The results show that brackets made of monocrystalline aluminum oxide (sapphire) have the smoothest surface, which helps reduce friction and plaque retention, thus improving treatment. Significant surface irregularities were observed in stainless steel and titanium brackets, potentially affecting archwire sliding in the slot and reducing oral hygiene, which can lower treatment effectiveness and prolong its duration.

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