Effect of fine particle shot peening on surface friction of stainless steel and ceramic bracket slots

This study aims to compare the static friction of untreated and fine particle shot peening (FPSP) treated stainless steel and ceramic bracket slots. A total of 60 pieces of stainless steel and 60 pieces of ceramic brackets (Roth prescription, 0.022x0.028 in(2)) were divided into 3 groups: control (n=20), silica glass bead particle surface treatment (n=20) and stainless steel (SUS316L) particle surface treatment (n=20). Ten brackets of each group were combined with 0.019x0.025 in(2) orthodontic stainless steel arch wires and were analyzed for static friction. The remaining 10 brackets of each group were tested for slot surface roughness and hardness. The result shows that stainless steel brackets treated with FPSP exhibited lower static friction, with smoother and harder surfaces than the control group (p<0.05). In contrast, treated ceramic brackets showed no difference from the control group in terms of static friction, roughness, and hardness (p>0.05).