Comparison of frictional resistance between passive self-ligating brackets and slide-type low-friction ligature brackets during the alignment and leveling stage.

Background: To compare the frictional resistance between passive self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets with low-friction ligature under bracket/archwire and root/bone interface during dental alignment and leveling.

Material And Methods: A tridimensional model of the maxilla and teeth of a patient treated with conventional brackets, and slide ligatures was generated employing the SolidWorks modeling software. SmartClip self-ligating brackets and Logic Line conventional brackets were assembled with slide low-friction ligatures, utilizing archwires with different diameters and alloys used for the alignment and leveling stage.