Frictional changes in force values caused by saliva substitution.

The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of frictional force changes between several sizes of stainless steel orthodontic wires (0.018 inch round, 0.020 inch round, and 0.018 X 0.025 inch rectangular) and an edgewise bracket (0.022 X 0.028 inch slot) when an artificial saliva medium was introduced. The wires were secured in the bracket slots with a 0.010 inch polyurethane ligatures. The force values in the saliva substitute medium were compared with those produced in a dry control and in glycerin. Clinically significant differences among the environmental conditions and among the wire sizes were found. The introduction of saliva substitute provides a significant reduction in force values.