The Effect of Fluoride on Beta-Titanium Orthodontic Wires` Surface Texture and Friction Resistance

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fluoride application on the surface properties and frictional resistance of two types of orthodontic archwires. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty stainless-steel, and beta-titanium orthodontic archwires in-addition to fifty ceramic brackets were examined in-vitro and in-situ. The friction resistance of all wires with ceramic brackets before/after topical fluoride application were examined in-vitro and in-situ. Moreover, surface properties of the tested wires before/after fluoride application and before/after friction test were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Paired t-test and Dunnett t-test were used to compare frictional resistance of the stainless-steel wires to the beta titanium wires as-received, in-vitro and in-situ (p? 0.05). Results: Beta-titanium wires recorded significant high friction resistance when compared to stainless-steel wires. Fluoride application did not significantly affect the friction resistance of the tested wires. SEM observation revealed the roughness of as-received beta-titanium wires and the deterioration of its surface texture after fluoride application in-vitro and in-situ. Conclusion: Beta-titanium wires recorded high friction resistance when compared to stainlesssteel wires under the asreceived, in-vitro and in-situ conditions, moreover, fluoride application did not affect friction resistance of beta-titanium wires while it affected its surface properties.