OBJECTIVE: By means of a photoelastic model, this study analyzed the stress caused on
conventional and self-ligating brackets with expanded arch wires. METHOD: Standard brackets were adhered to artificial teeth and a photoelastic model was
prepared using the Interlandi 19/12 diagram as base. Successive activations were
made with 0.014-in and 0.018-in rounded cross section Nickel-Titanium wires (NiTi)
and 0.019 x 0.025-in rectangular stainless steel wires all of which made on 22/14
Interlandi diagram. The model was observed on a plane polariscope - in a dark
field microscope configuration - and photographed at each exchange of wire. Then,
they were replaced by self-ligating brackets and the process was repeated.
Analysis was qualitative and observed stress location and pattern on both models
analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Results identified greater stress on the region of the apex of premolars in both
analyzed models. Upon comparing the stress between models, a greater amount of
stress was found in the model with conventional brackets in all of its wires.
Therefore, the present pilot study revealed that alignment of wires in
self-ligating brackets produced lower stress in periodontal tissues in expansive
mechanics.
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