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Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the frictional forces produced by three types of ligatures (conventional elastic ligatures, unconventional elastic ligatures, and tooth-colored ligature wire) on ceramic bracket and stainless steel brackets with 0.016 nickeltitanium (NiTi) archwire in the dry state. Materials and Methods: Twenty each stainless steel brackets and ceramic brackets (0.022 slot central incisor brackets) were mounted on the acrylic block. This assembly was mounted on the Instron machine with the crossheads moving upward at a speed of 10 mm/min in the upper jaw of the Instron machine, one acrylic block with hook and a straight length of 0.016 NiTi wire was attached to it. This wire was ligated to brackets with three different ligation methods. In each test, the brackets were moved a distance of 4 mm, 8 mm, and 12 mm across the central space, and the load cell readings were recorded on the digital display. The difference between the readings is noted. Results: Stainless steel brackets with 0.016 NiTi archwire ligated with conventional, unconventional, and tooth-colored ligation with the movement of 4 mm, 8 mm, and 12 mm shows that the tooth-colored ligation indicating least frictional force decay. Comparison of frictional forces (in newtons) between ceramic brackets and stainless steel brackets using 0.016 NiTi wire for a movement of 12 mm shows that stainless steel bracket with tooth-colored ligation produced least frictional force compared with ceramic bracket. Conclusion: Based on this study results, we can conclude that stainless steel brackets produce less frictional force compared to ceramic brackets. Similarly, tooth-colored ligatures can be preferred to reduce friction during leveling stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of the study was to measure the horizontal distance between the FA-WALA (Facial Axis Point-William Andrews and Larry Andrews) of posterior teeth in Angle's Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusions and to assess the depth of the Curve of Spee, to find the correlation between intercanine FA and intercanine WALA and its significance. Material and Methods: Sixty pretreatment mandibular casts of patients with an age range of 18-35 years were included. A sample size of 20 was evaluated in Angle's Class I, Class II, and Class III, respectively. The WALA ridge and FA points were marked in the model and calibrated using the digital Vernier caliper. Results: There was an incremental increase in the horizontal distance from the FA-WALA in the posterior teeth. The mandibular intercanine FA-FA and intercanine WALA-WALA distance were greater in Angle's Class III group when compared to Angle's Class II. The Curve of Spee measurement was increased in Angle's Class II group, while Angle's Class III had a flat curve. Conclusion: The horizontal distance between FA-WALA increased incrementally in the posterior teeth in Angle's Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusions. In Angle's Class II malocclusion, the Curve of Spee measurement was increased and had a narrower mandibular arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]