Torque Comparison Between Two Passive Self-Ligating Brackets with Respect to Interbracket Wire Dimensions and Types: A Finite Element Analysis

• Published in: Journal of Indian Orthodontic Society Vol. 56; no. 2; pp. 164 - 170
• Main Authors: Thushar, Balan K, Mathur, Anirudh K, Diddige, Rajasri, Verma, Shubhnita, Chitra, Prasad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi, India SAGE Publications 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Damon Q; self-ligation; Finite element analysis (FEM); torque expression; Smart Clip
• ISSN: 0301-5742; 0974-9098
• DOI: 10.1177/03015742211029610

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the expression of torque between 2 passive self-ligating brackets by simulating different clinical situations using finite element analysis. Material and Methods: Two passive self-ligating brackets, that is, Damon Q (Ormco, Glendora, California) and Smart Clip (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California), were 3D modeled using micro-computed tomography. ANSYS V14.5 software was used for analysis. Archwire and bracket interactions were simulated to measure torque expression by changing wire alloys (stainless steel [SS] and titanium molybdenum [TMA]) and interbracket dimensions. Results: Damon Q brackets generated higher torque values compared to Smart Clip brackets with both SS and TMA wires. Damon Q brackets generated the highest torquing moment of 25.72 Nmm and 7.45 Nmm, while Smart Clip brackets generated 22.25 Nmm and 7.31 Nmm with 0.019 × 0.025″ SS and TMA wires, respectively, at an interbracket distance of 12 mm. Torquing moments decreased for Damon Q and Smart Clip brackets when wire length increased from 12 mm to 16 mm. Conclusion: Damon Q with 0.019 × 0.025″wires exhibited superior torquing characteristics as compared to Smart Clip brackets with similar archwires.