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AIMS The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules in the control of Streptococcus mutans levels in the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study consisted of 30 patients, with two experimental periods of three weeks and a three-week washout period between experimental periods. At the first visit, fluoridated modules were placed around brackets on 12 11 33 and non-fluoridated ones on 21 22 43. During the 2nd visit, the modules were removed and sent for a microbiological analysis. Non-fluoridated modules were placed on all brackets for one visit to allow for a washout period. At the 3rd visit, fluoridated elastomeric modules were placed around brackets on 21 22 43 and non-fluoridated on 12 11 33. At the 4th visit, the procedures at the 2nd visit were repeated. RESULTS A mean comparison between bacterial counts of fluoride-releasing and non-fluoridated elastomeric modules in both the trials were done by the Mann-Whitney U test, which showed the result to be significant (p < 0.001). The mean comparison of bacterial counts between fluoride-releasing and non-fluoridated elastomeric modules in a specific area was done by the Wilcoxon signed rank test, which showed the result to be significant (p < 0.001). A comparison between bacterial counts of fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules in both trials were done by the Mann-Whitney U test, which also showed a significant result (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The sustained-release fluoridated elastomeric modules are effective in reducing the levels of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque around the brackets for a time period of 21 days. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The sustained-release fluoridated modules were effective in reducing the CFU of S. mutans and are also stable at the end of 21 days of the experimental period. But the action of fluoride released from the modules is localized, temporary, and requires constant maintenance of these modules over the brackets throughout the treatment period.

Aim To evaluate and compare the frictional resistance produced by Super Slick modules during sliding with four different types of brackets and four ligature types both in conventional and figure-of-8 ligation method with saliva as lubricant. Materials and methods The frictional resistance was evaluated by using four different ligatures on 0.019” × 0.025” stainless steel (SS) archwires using four different brackets using an universal testing machine with unstimulated saliva as a lubricant. Mean and SD values were calculated. Data was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance ANOVA with post hoc test. Results The results showed that self-ligating brackets produced least frictional forces. Among all other tested combinations, Teflon-coated SS ligatures in ceramic with metal slot brackets produced least coefficient of static and kinetic friction and full ceramic brackets ligated with Super Slick elastomeric modules demonstrated the highest, with other combinations falling in between. Conclusion Super Slick elastomeric modules, produced highest coefficient of both static and kinetic friction with the conventional and figure-of-8 ligation technique even in wet conditions using natural fresh human saliva. Clinical significance Both static and kinetic frictional resistance play an important role during sliding mechanics. Various factors have been attributed for friction. However, bracket type, archwire material, type of ligature and method of ligation are important variables. Recently polymeric coated slick elastomeric modules were introduced with the claim that they produce very low frictional forces in wet condition. Contrary to the claim made by the manufacturers of Super Slick elastomeric modules, they produced highest coefficient of both static and kinetic friction with the conventional and figure-of-8 ligation technique. How to cite this article Pattan SK, Peddu R, Bandaru SK, Lanka D, Mallavarapu K, Pathan AB. Efficacy of Super Slick Elastomeric Modules in reducing Friction during Sliding: A Comparative in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2014; 15(5):543-551.

Introduction: Rapid palatal expansion of the midpalatal suture is an effective method for the correction of transverse malocclusions. This study was conducted to compare the reaction of circum-maxillary sutures and center of resistance of molar to the Hyrax appliance with different degrees of activations and the Spring jet appliance using laser holography on a freshly macerated skull. Materials and methods: A freshly macerated skull with well-aligned teeth and intact dental arches was used as the experimental model. The Hyrax appliance and Spring jet appliances were fabricated and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by using double exposure hologram. Hyrax was activated two 1⁄4 turns, four 1⁄4 turns and eight 1⁄4 turns. The Spring jet is activated and double exposure hologram was recorded. Results: Results were obtained qualitatively by observing the fringes, and quantitatively by counting the number of fringes. The Spring jet showed fringes only in the first molar area, whereas the Hyrax showed fringes along the circum-maxillary sutures and the first molar area; and the number of fringes increased with the number of turns. Conclusion: Hyrax appliance activation produced mechanical reactions on the teeth, alveolar bone, maxilla and the circum-maxillary bones and sutures. The displacement and fringes increased progressively with two, four and eight turns activation of hyrax. The pattern of the fringes was more circular around the nasomaxillary complex and zygomaticomaxillary sutures, suggesting rotational displacement of the maxilla. The number and pattern of fringes produced by the Spring jet appliances suggest that it produces only dentoalveolar changes and minimal orthopedic affects.