RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the interaction between a 0.019×0.025-inch (â³) stainless steel archwire and two types of passive self-ligating brackets with the same slot height (0.022â³) and different slot depths (0.028â³ and 0.026â³, and to measure the archwire/slot play as well as to compare the torque expression with archwire torsions of 12°, 24°, and 36°. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental device was developed along with a universal testing machine to measure torque expression in two types of brackets with 0.028â³ and 0.026â³ slot depths. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were performed to identify the differences between groups. RESULTS: The 0.026â³ slot bracket presented greater archwire/slot play when compared to the 0.028â³ bracket. Torque expression with torsions of 24° and 36° were significantly higher in the 0.028â³ depth brackets when compared to the 0.026â³ depth brackets. CONCLUSION: The 0.022â³×0.026â³ passive self-ligating brackets attached with a 0.019â³×0.025â³ stainless steel archwire provided no greater torque control when compared to 0.022â³×0.028â³ passive self-ligating brackets.