This research evaluated the effects of different bracket-wire combinations and second-order deflections on kinetic friction. Thirteen different brackets, six with 0.018 x 0.025 inch slots and seven with 0.022 x 0.028-inch slots were evaluated with six different sizes and shapes of stainless steel orthodontic wire, i.e., 0.016, 0.016 x 0.022, 0.017 x 0.025, 0.018, 0.018 x 0.025 and 0.019 x 0.026 inch for four second order deflections of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mm. The wires were ligated into the brackets with elastomeric modules. Bracket movement was implemented by means of an Instron universal testing instrument (RMO, Denver, Colo.), and frictional forces were measured by a tension load cell and recorded on an X-Y recorder (Hewlett-Packard, Anaheim, Calif.). Second-order deflection was created by a specially designed and machined testing apparatus that allowed two alternate pairs of the four total brackets to be offset in increments of 0.25 mm. The kinetic frictional force increased for every bracket-wire combination tested as the second-order deflection increased. Friction also increased with an increase in wire size, whereas rectangular wires produced greater friction than round wires. Bracket designs that limited the force of ligation on the wire generated less friction at low second-order deflections (0.00 and 0.25 mm).