Effects of Diode and Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation on Friction Forces Between Two Types of Ceramic Brackets and Rhodium-Coated Archwires

Introduction: Ceramic brackets have gained increasing popularity among dental clinicians and orthodontic patients but friction is a major concern when using them. This study sought to assess the effects of diode and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser irradiation on friction forces between two types of ceramic brackets and rhodium-coated esthetic archwires. Methods: Thirty polycrystalline and 30 poly-sapphire brackets were divided into 6 groups (n=10) as follows: (I) control polycrystalline brackets (no laser irradiation), (II) polycrystalline brackets subjected to diode laser irradiation, (III) polycrystalline brackets subjected to Nd:YAG laser irradiation, (IV) control poly-sapphire brackets (no laser irradiation), (V) poly-sapphire brackets subjected to diode laser irradiation, and (VI) poly-sapphire brackets subjected to Nd:YAG laser irradiation. The bracket slots were laser-irradiated on a custom-made table. Sixty 5-cm pieces of rhodium-coated archwires were used for the friction test in a universal testing machine at a speed of 10 mm/min. Ten brackets from the six groups underwent scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results: The frictional resistance value of polycrystalline brackets was significantly higher than that of poly-sapphire brackets, irrespective of laser type (P<0.05). Irradiation of diode and Nd:YAG lasers, compared with the control group, had no significant effect on friction, irrespective of bracket type (P>0.05). Conclusion: It appears that diode and Nd:YAG laser irradiation cannot significantly decrease the friction. Future studies are warranted on different laser types with variable exposure.