Role of Saliva in Orthodontics: A Strategic Review

Abstract

The salivary glands of human beings are considered the cyto-architectural replica of salivary glands of rats; hence, we find a number of literatures wherein experiments on rat salivary glands are correlated to those of human beings. Saliva plays an important role during bonding of orthodontic brackets to the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Saliva also serves as an excellent lubricant in the sliding of the bracket along the wire. This article reviews the various roles of saliva in the field of orthodontics.

Keywords: Saliva, bond strength, friction