The FE analysis supported the results of in vitro tests for each type of bracket tested in that the higher maximum principal stress resulted in lower bond strength (Figures 3,4,5; Table 3).
The values of the frictional wear of each archwire-bracket test were captured from the universal testing machine to dedicated software (Merlin Software, Instron Corporation); this software was used to calculate the frictional values.
The Quick bracket showed lower values of RS among the low-friction brackets tested in this setting.
The values of RS strongly differed (p < 0.001) among the brackets tested in this study, as revealed by the ANOVA.
These two variables affect each other, vary in an unrelated way among the brackets tested, and could explain the absence of any significant correlation.
The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were performed to compare the values of RS among the brackets tested in the vertical displacement experimental model.
This data shows that all brackets tested featured oversized slots, with the Lancer SFP (Vista, CA, USA) being the most faithful to its stated measurements (+0.56%), and the Ormco Victory (Orange, CA, USA) the least (+11.16%).
The brackets tested can be listed in decreasing order of mesio-distal width and depth of the slot, respectively: In-Ovation, Damon II, Quick, Time 2, and Synergy; and Synergy, Quick, Time 2, Damon II, and In-Ovation (Table 2).
The brackets chosen for this study were all reduced friction brackets; testing these brackets represents a great advantage because it is possible to reduce the experimental error constituted by the classical friction when a study aims to investigate the mechanical conditions governed by the binding.
Three pull pressure load cells are orthogonally set on a fixing bracket to test the interaction force between a bulk superconductor and a magnet in three dimensions.
