Investigating the Mechanical Properties and Failure Characteristics of Dental Archwire
Abstract
Ceramic braces are typically chosen by people who are looking to conceal the fact that they are wearing braces. Unfortunately, the metal archwires stand out in contrast to the ceramic brackets. Researchers have begun looking for an alternative to the metal archwires. Some possible alternatives include polymer, metal coated, and Optiflex archwires. The current study investigated the material properties of alternative dental archwire materials. Testing was performed on the selected materials to determine bending stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, toughness, and modulus of elasticity. The properties of the alternative archwire materials were compared to those of standard archwire materials tested under the same conditions including Titanium and Steel. In addition, electron microscopy was employed to reveal surface characteristics of these materials such as Silicone, Teflon, and Polytetrafluoroethylene. Coating the metals in silicone allowed for the force of the specimen to be absorbed, and for the specimen to still be held in place if fractured. The use of Teflon and Polytetrafluoroethylene gave a decrease in the speed in which our samples deformed. A particular coating was not found from this research, but it has brought about ideas for future research to achieve the overall goal.
Investigating the Mechanical Properties and Failure Characteristics of Dental Archwire
Founders Hall 250 B
Ceramic braces are typically chosen by people who are looking to conceal the fact that they are wearing braces. Unfortunately, the metal archwires stand out in contrast to the ceramic brackets. Researchers have begun looking for an alternative to the metal archwires. Some possible alternatives include polymer, metal coated, and Optiflex archwires. The current study investigated the material properties of alternative dental archwire materials. Testing was performed on the selected materials to determine bending stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, toughness, and modulus of elasticity. The properties of the alternative archwire materials were compared to those of standard archwire materials tested under the same conditions including Titanium and Steel. In addition, electron microscopy was employed to reveal surface characteristics of these materials such as Silicone, Teflon, and Polytetrafluoroethylene. Coating the metals in silicone allowed for the force of the specimen to be absorbed, and for the specimen to still be held in place if fractured. The use of Teflon and Polytetrafluoroethylene gave a decrease in the speed in which our samples deformed. A particular coating was not found from this research, but it has brought about ideas for future research to achieve the overall goal.
