Contemporary esthetic nickel-titanium wires: Do they deliver the same forces?

Objective:To test for differences in loading and unloading forces delivered by six coated nickel-titanium wires and their noncoated equivalents.Materials and Methods:From six commercial companies, 0.016-inch diameter round and 0.016 × 0.022-inch rectangular cross-section nickel-titanium wires were procured “as is”: Rocky Mountain Orthodontics (Denver, Colo), TP Orthodontics (La Porte, Ind), American Orthodontics (AO; Sheboygan, Wis), G&H (Franklin, Ind), Opal Orthodontics (South Jordan, Utah), and Forestadent USA (St Louis, Mo) (round only). The wires were evaluated using a three-point bending test based on the method in ISO Standard 15841.Results:No statistically significant differences (P > .05) in force values were found between coated and noncoated wires, listed by deflection in three-point bending, for these specific groups: 1 mm, TP round; 2 mm, TP round and G&H rectangular; 3 mm, G&H round and G&H rectangular; 2.5 mm,TP round and G&H rectangular; 1.5 mm, TP round, G&H round, G&H rectangular, and AO rectangular; and 0.5 mm, AO rectangular and G&H round.Conclusion:Some manufacturers market esthetic wires delivering forces similar to the equivalent noncoated wires, when tested according to a standard three-point bend method.     

直流电热处理对镍钛合金丝三点弯曲性能的影响

目的 探讨直流电热处理后镍钛合金丝三点弯曲性能的变化规律,以期更好地发挥镍钛合金丝在临床治疗中的作用.方法 选择两种超弹性镍钛合金丝(弓丝A:圣马特超弹性镍钛合金牙齿矫形丝;弓丝B:SENTALLOY(R)超弹性镍钛合金丝)和两种热激活镍钛合金丝(弓丝C:圣马特热激活镍钛合金牙齿矫形丝;弓丝D:L&H镍钛丝),用加热仪分别对弓丝进行0(对照)、1.0、1.5、2.0、2.5 s的直流电热处理(恒定电流强度6.36 A);在37℃下利用三点弯曲实验检测弓丝的性能变化.结果 热处理后镍钛合金丝的平台期应力值均有所增加,加热2.0 s后弓丝A、B、C、D中点加载位移1.5 mm时,应力值分别为(4.33±0.07)、(4.52±0.08)、(4.07±0.05)、(3.27±0.15)N,与对照[分别为(3.85±0.11)、(3.28±0.09)、(3.62±0.07)、(2.91±0.23)N]相比,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 在正畸治疗的不同阶段可利用直流电热处理的方法改变镍钛合金丝的形状和超弹性,但应注意控制加热的电流强度和时间,随着加热时间的延长,弓丝硬度增加.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the mechanical properties of Ni-Ti wires with direct electric resistance heat treatment(DERHT) method in three-point bending tests. Methods Two superelastic Ni-Ti wires(wire A: Smart SE, wire B: SENTALLOY SE, 0.406 mm ×0.559 mm) and 2 heat-actived Ni-Ti wires(wire C: Smart SM, wire D: L&H TITAN, 0.406 mm ×0.559 mm) were selected. They were heattreated using the DERHT method by a controlled electric current(6. 36 A) applied for different period of time[0(control), 1.0, 1.5, 2. 0, 2. 5 seconds). Then, a three-point bending test was performed under controlled temperature (37 ℃ ) to examine the relationships between the deflection and the load in the bending of wires. Results After DERHT treatment, the plateau in the force-deflection curve of superelastic Ni-Ti wires and heat-actived Ni-Ti wires were increased. When the wires were heated for 2. 0 seconds and deflected to 1.5 mm, the loading force of A, B, C and D Ni-Ti wires increased from (3.85 ± 0. 11 ),(3.62±0.07), (3.28±0.09), (2.91 ±0.23) Nto (4.33 ±0.07), (4.07 ±0.05), (4.52±0.08),(3.27 ± 0. 15 ) N respectively. Conclusions DERHT method is very convenient for clinical use. It is possible to change the arch form and superelastic force of NiTi wires. The longer the heating time is, the more the superelastic characteristics of the wires are altered.     

Comparison of mechanical properties of beta-titanium wires between leveled and unleveled brackets: an in vitro study

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the force-deflection behavior of beta-titanium alloy wires between two leveled and unleveled bracket alignment scenarios using a three-point bending test.

Methods

Six groups of ten beta-titanium alloy wire segments (0.017 × 0.025-in. diameter) of different manufacturers (Orthometric, Ortho Organizers, GAC, Morelli, and Ormco) were used. Both brackets were bonded to an acrylic jig with a 10-mm interbracket distance. A 1-mm deflection test in two hypothetical conditions (with aligned brackets and by simulating a 2-mm horizontal displacement of the brackets) was explored. Forces of activation and deactivation of the wires during both tests were compared by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests followed by a Tukey test.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found in the force-deflection behavior between some of the wires in both simulated in vitro conditions. For the leveled-type alignment scenario, the differences between wires were up to 70 g (range 110 to 179 g). For the unleveled-type alignment scenario, these differences were up to 65 g (range 111 to 175 g).

Conclusions

The study showed some significant differences in forces generated during activation and deactivation among the five types of beta-titanium wires tested. In comparing leveled and unleveled brackets during activation, only Orthometric Beta Flexy and Ormco Beta-titanium were different between them.     

Deactivation force-deflection behavior of multistranded stainless steel wires.

This investigation measured the deactivation (unloading) force-deflection behavior of selected multistranded stainless steel orthodontic wires. The guidelines from the revised American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association Specification No. 32 for orthodontic wires (type 2, nonlinear elasticity) were used to perform a 3-point bending test to obtain data for the deactivation force levels at 3, 2, 1, and 0.5 mm, and permanent deformation values. The study tested 20 wire designs: triple-stranded twisted wires, 5- and 6-stranded coaxial wires, and 8- and 9-stranded braided rectangular wires of selected cross-sections. Twenty specimens were tested for each wire design. The specification guidelines for testing provided a means for obtaining comparative unloading force delivery data for the deflections tested. Multistranded wires of significantly different cross-section, weave, and strand number fell within relatively narrow ranges of force delivery at the 0.5-mm (1.7-42.7 grams-force [gmf]) and 1-mm (31.1-134.2 gmf) deflections and wider ranges of force levels at the 2-mm (57.0-320.5 gmf) and 3-mm (72.5-451.8 gmf) deflections. All wires exhibited some permanent deformation, but none averaged greater than 0.66 mm. The testing also showed that multistranded wires of significantly different design exhibit similar force levels. The guidelines of the revised Specification No. 32 yielded deactivation data with regard to force delivery and provided comparisons of the wire designs tested.     

Influence of bracket-slot design on the forces released by superelastic nickel-titanium alignment wires in different deflection configurations

Objective:To evaluate how different bracket-slot design characteristics affect the forces released by superelastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) alignment wires at different amounts of wire deflection.Materials and Methods:A three-bracket bending and a classic-three point bending testing apparatus were used to investigate the load-deflection properties of one superelastic 0.014-inch NiTi alignment wire in different experimental conditions. The selected NiTi archwire was tested in association with three bracket systems: (1) conventional twin brackets with a 0.018-inch slot, (2) a self-ligating bracket with a 0.018-inch slot, and (3) a self-ligating bracket with a 0.022-inch slot. Wire specimens were deflected at 2 mm and 4 mm.Results:Use of a 0.018-inch slot bracket system, in comparison with use of a 0.022-inch system, increases the force exerted by the superelastic NiTi wires at a 2-mm deflection. Use of a self-ligating bracket system increases the force released by NiTi wires in comparison with the conventional ligated bracket system. NiTi wires deflected to a different maximum deflection (2 mm and 4 mm) release different forces at the same unloading data point (1.5 mm).Conclusion:Bracket design, type of experimental test, and amount of wire deflection significantly affected the amount of forces released by superelastic NiTi wires (P < .05). This phenomenon offers clinicians the possibility to manipulate the wire''s load during alignment.     

Force-deflection properties of superelastic nickel-titanium archwires.

This in vitro study compared the force-deflection behavior of 8 superelastic nickel-titanium orthodontic wires (0.017 x 0.025 in) under controlled moment and temperature. To simulate leveling a lateral incisor, brackets and first molar tubes without tip and angulation were used. The wires (n = 5) were ligated into stainless steel brackets attached to a plastic jig to simulate a mandibular arch. A testing machine (Instron) applied deflections of 0.2 to 2.0 mm at 35 degrees C in the lateral incisor area. Force-deflection diagrams were determined from the passive position to an activation of 2 mm and then during deactivation. Forces on deactivation at a deflection of 1 mm were compared by analysis of variance. Significant differences (P < .05) in forces were observed among wires. All wires exhibited superelastic behavior, but in stratified loading levels.     

Force-deflection comparison of superelastic nickel-titanium archwires.

This in vitro study compared the force-deflection behavior of 6 superelastic nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires (0.016 x 0.022 in) under controlled moment and temperature. To simulate leveling, maxillary canine brackets and first molar tubes were bonded in such a manner as to remove the tip and angulation from the system. The wires (n = 10) were passively self-ligated into stainless steel brackets attached to an acrylic jig to simulate the maxillary arch. A testing machine recorded deactivations of 3 distances (5, 4, and 3 mm) at 37 degrees C in the canine position. Force-deflection measurements were recorded from the deactivations only. Forces produced during deactivation, at deflections of 2.5, 2.0, and 1.5 mm, were compared by analysis of variance. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) in forces were observed among the wires at the various deflections. All wires exhibited superelastic behavior, and rankings were derived according to statistically significant differences for each deflection distance.     

In vitro biocompatibility of nickel-titanium esthetic orthodontic archwires

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxicity of nickel-titanium (NiTi) esthetic orthodontic archwires with different surface coatings.Materials and Methods:Three fully coated, tooth-colored NiTi wires (BioCosmetic, Titanol Cosmetic, EverWhite), two ion-implanted wires (TMA Purple, Sentalloy High Aesthetic), five uncoated NiTi wires (BioStarter, BioTorque, Titanol Superelastic, Memory Wire Superelastic, and Sentalloy), one β-titanium wire (TMA), and one stainless steel wire (Stainless Steel) were considered for this study. The wire samples were placed at 37°C in airtight test tubes containing Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (0.1 mg/mL) for 1, 7, 14, and 30 days. The cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured with this medium was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Data were analyzed by a two-way analysis of variance (α  =  .05).Results:The highest cytotoxic effect was reached on day 30 for all samples. The archwires exhibited a cytotoxicity on HGFs ranging from “none” to “slight,” with the exception of the BioTorque, which resulted in moderate cytotoxicity on day 30. Significant differences were found between esthetic archwires and their uncoated pairs only for BioCosmetic (P  =  .001) and EverWhite (P < .001).Conclusions:Under the experimental conditions, all of the NiTi esthetic archwires resulted in slight cytotoxicity, as did the respective uncoated wires. For this reason their clinical use may be considered to have similar risks to the uncoated archwires.     

Nickel titanium T-loop wire dimensions for en masse retraction

Objective:To compare the force system produced by nickel-titanium T-loop springs made with wires of different dimensions.Material and Methods:Thirty compound T-loop springs were divided into three groups according to the dimensions of the nickel-titanium wire used for its design: 0.016” × 0.022”, 0.017” × 0.025”, and 0.018” × 0.025”. The loops were tested on the Orthodontic Force Tester machine at an interbracket distance of 23 mm and activated 9 mm. The force in the y-axis and the moment in the x-axis were registered while the calculated moment to force ratio was recorded at each .5 mm of deactivation. The data were analyzed by three analyses of variance of repeated measures to detect differences and interactions between deactivation and wire size on force, moment, and moment-force ratios (M/F).Results:All groups had significantly different forces (P < .001). The 0.016” × 0.022” wire produced 1.78N of force while the 0.017” × 0.025” and the 0.018” × 0.025” produced 2.81 N and 3.25 N, respectively. The 0.016” × 0.022” wire produced lower moments (11.6 Nmm) than the 0.017” × 0.025” and 0.018” × 0.025” wires, which produced similar moments (13.9 Nmm and 14.4Nmm, respectively). The M/F produced was different for all groups; 0.016” × 0.022” T-loops produced 6.7 mm while the 0.017” × 0.025” and 0.018” × 0.025” T-loops produced 5.0 mm and 4.5 mm, respectively. An interaction was detected for all variables between deactivation and groups.Conclusion:The larger wires tested produced higher forces with slight increase on the moments, but the M/F produced by the 0.016” × 0.022” wire was the highest found.     

Aesthetic nickel titanium wires--how much do they deliver?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the force levels of aesthetic Ni-Ti wires to regular Ni-Ti wires of the same dimension and evaluate their mechanical properties. Aesthetic and regular maxillary superelastic Ni-Ti wires (0.016 × 0.022) from four different manufacturers (G&H Wire Company, TP Orthodontics, GAC International, and Ortho Organizers) were selected and grouped I-IV. The loading and unloading values were compared using a three-point bending test. The unloading end values were also recorded to evaluate the recovery of archwires after each deflection. The unloading values were recorded at 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mm after loading deflections of 1, 2, and 3 mm, respectively. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the coating thickness of aesthetic wires. The results, statistically analysed, showed a significant decrease in force values for the aesthetic wires in groups I, III, and IV (P < 0.001) as compared to regular Ni-Ti wires of the same dimension from the same manufacturer. There was no significant difference in force values for group II wires. A statistically significant decrease in force values of epoxy-coated wires was observed in groups I, III, and IV only. This is of obvious clinical significance during wire selection. The group II coated wires, however, exhibited forces comparable to their regular Ni-ti wires with a difference that was statistically insignificant. The end values of aesthetic wires showed almost complete recovery for groups I, II, and III after 2 and 3 mm deflections.     

Effects of sliding velocity on friction: An in vitro study at extremely low sliding velocity approximating orthodontic tooth movement

Objective:To evaluate the effects of sliding velocity on friction, particularly at extremely low sliding velocity approximating orthodontic tooth movement.Materials and Methods:Stainless-steel (SS) 0.022-inch preadjusted brackets and 0.016- and 0.016 × 0.022-inch SS wires and superelastic nickel-titanium 0.016 × 0.022-inch wires were used for this test. The wire was secured in a SS preadjusted bracket with an elastomeric module. One end of the wire was pulled upward 1.5 mm at a speed of 5.0 × 10⁻⁷, 1.0 × 10⁻⁵, 1.0 × 10⁻⁴, 1.0 × 10⁻³, 1.0 × 10⁻², and 1.0 × 10⁻¹ mm/s by the micrometer. The measurements were conducted 10 times and averaged. Tukey-Kramer tests were used to compare the mean differences of each testing measurement among the different sliding velocities.Results:The frictional forces tended to increase as the sliding velocity decreased. The mean frictional force for 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ mm/s sliding velocity (approximating orthodontic tooth movement) was 106.8 cN in 0.016 × 0.022-inch SS wires, almost double the 1.0 × 10⁻¹ mm/s sliding velocity.Conclusion:The effects of sliding velocity cannot be ignored when we estimate frictional forces in clinical orthodontics.     

Efficiency of multi-strand steel,superelastic Ni-Ti and ion-implanted Ni-Ti archwires for initial alignment

In a clinical trial involving 155 dental arches with irregularity > 5 mm, the rate of alignment was used to compare the alignment efficiency of 16 mil superelastic Ni-Ti versus 17.5 mil triple-stranded steel archwires, and to determine whether ion implantation of the Ni-Ti wire improved its performance. Subjects were randomly assigned to archwire types; both 18 and 22 slot edgewise appliances were employed. Pre-treatment equivalence of the experimental groups was verified. Anterior irregularity was determined monthly (using Little's irregularity index) until it decreased below 2 mm, and the elastomeric ligatures were replaced at each appointment. Effective tooth movement occurred with each of the archwire types. There were no significant differences among wires, but the rate of alignment was significantly faster in the lower arch for subjects with the 22 slot appliance.     

Torsional properties of commercial nickel-titanium wires during activation and deactivation.

This study evaluated torsional moments on activation and deactivation in commercial, nickel-titanium wires that are intended for use in the initial phases of orthodontic treatment. Nine commercial, rectangular nickel-titanium wires (0.017 x 0.025 in) were tested in torsion. One wire was conventional nickel-titanium, and the others were superelastic nickel-titanium wires. The specimens were tested in a torsiometer for rotations between 10 and 40 degrees in activation and deactivation. Wires E27, RF and R had the highest moments during activation and deactivation, without evidence of the plateau typical of the superelastic effect. Plateaus of constant moment were observed for wires C27, C35, E35, MO, NS, and NI. Torsional moments varied among superelastic nickel-titanium wires, even with wires that had the same transition temperature range. Some superelastic wires had torsional moments that were comparable with conventional nickel-titanium wires.     

The effect of short-term temperature changes on superelastic nickel-titanium archwires activated in orthodontic bending.

The bending stiffness of superelastic nickel-titanium archwires is influenced by alterations in mouth temperature. The activation and deactivation phases of a load-deflection loop of superelastic wires have different stress-magnitudes. This investigation compared the effect of short-term cooling or heating on the bending force exerted by nickel-titanium archwires. Two rectangular superelastic and one conventional nickel titanium wire were tested in bending at 37 degrees C. The specimens were tested during the activation phase and during the deactivation phase. The wires were kept at constant strain and the bending force was measured continually while the activated specimens were subjected to cold (10 degrees C) or hot (80 degrees C) water. The test situation simulates a patient's archwire that is subjected to cold or hot drinks or food during a meal. The conventional nickel-titanium wire was marginally affected by brief cooling or heating, regardless of activation phase. In contrast, the superelastic wires were strongly affected by short-term application of cold or hot water. When tested in activation phase, the effect of heating was transient whereas the wires continued to exert sub-baseline bending forces after short-term application of cold water. When tested in deactivation phase, the effect of cooling was transient whereas the wires exerted supra-baseline bending forces after a short-term application of hot water. The effect of short-term temperature changes on the bending stiffness of superelastic nickel titanium archwires is dependent upon the bending phase. Cooling induced transient effects on a wire in its deactivation phase, but prolonged effects when the wire was tested in the activation phase. In contrast, the effect of short-term heating was transient when the wire was tested in the activation phase, but prolonged when the wire was tested in the deactivation phase.     

含铜镍钛合金丝口腔温度下三点弯曲性能的研究

目的确定不同含铜镍钛合金丝在口腔温度下(37℃)三点弯曲性能的差异。方法选取CopperNi-Ti 27℃、Copper Ni-Ti 35℃、Copper Ni-Ti 40℃各5根(0.406 mm×0.559mm),在37℃下,利用微力测试仪进行三点弯曲实验,测定其加载平台期和卸载平台期的力值。结果 Copper Ni-Ti 27℃、Copper Ni-Ti 35℃、Copper Ni-Ti40℃在37℃环境下,位移1.5mm时,加载力值分别为3.99±0.09(N)、3.08±0.13(N)、2.60±0.05(N),卸载力值分别为2.81±0.03(N)、1.66±0.10(N)、1.17±0.05(N)。结论含铜镍钛合金丝在口腔环境温度下,在外力的作用下,镍钛合金丝变形诱发马氏体。不同镍钛合金中马氏体含量不同,因此,产生的力值不同,临床上应根据具体情况进行选择。     

Mechanical properties of nickel-titanium alloy wire developed by the diffusion method

The present study was conducted to investigate mechanical properties of the nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy wire developed by the diffusion method, in comparison with the previous Ni-Ti wires. Two types of the wire, work hardening and super elastic wires, were used for three experiments; three-point bending test, tension test and torque test. The following findings were obtained. 1. A newly developed work hardening wire exhibited lower force level with a generous reduction of force at various wire deflections, in comparison with the previous work hardening Ni-Ti wires. It was also found that tension strength and extension ratio of this wire were greater, and its modulus of longitudinal elasticity was smaller than those of the previous wires, indicating high resistibility to breakage. 2. A super elastic wire, developed by the diffusion method, showed similar pattern of force reduction associated with varying wire deflections, although magnitude of force was slightly larger than those of the previous super elastic wires. 3. An interesting finding was that force and its reduction with various deflections were varied by controlling how the wire was ligated onto a bracket, which was more obvious in the work hardening type of the present Ni-Ti wire. 4. Magnitudes of force exerted by Ni-Ti wires were around 200 gf at a deflection of 2 mm with an interbracket distance of 7 mm, and seemed to be beyond an optimal orthodontic force for anterior teeth. A further refinement is expected in terms of improving mechanical properties and/or developing finer wires.     

Comparison of the load-deflection characteristics of 0.012″ heat-activated,superelastic and bent superelastic nickel titanium wires

Purpose

To compare the characteristics and load-deflection graphs of 0.012″ heat-activated NiTi, superelastic NiTi and bent (bends placed at 1, 2 and 3 mm) superelastic NiTi wires, focusing on force at 0.5 mm after deactivation after deflection by 1, 2, 3 and 4 mm.

Pain experience during initial alignment with three types of nickel-titanium archwires: A prospective clinical trial

Objective:To clinically evaluate the pain intensity during the week following initial placement of three different orthodontic aligning archwires.Materials and Methods:A consecutive sample of 75 patients requiring upper and lower fixed orthodontic appliances were alternately allocated into three different archwires (0.014-inch superelastic NiTi, 0.014-inch thermoelastic NiTi or 0.014-inch conventional NiTi). Assessments of pain/discomfort were made on a daily basis over the first 7-day period after bonding by means of visual analog scale and consumption of analgesics. The maximum pain score was recorded. The possible associations between age, gender, degree of crowding, and teeth irregularity and the pain intensity were also examined. Demographic and clinical differences between the three groups were compared with chi-square test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.Results:No statistically significant differences were found in the pain intensity when the three aligning NiTi archwires were compared (P  =  .63). No significant differences in pain perception were found in terms of gender, age, lower arch crowding, and incisor irregularity. The intake of analgesics was the least in the superelastic NiTi group.Conclusion:The three forms of NiTi wires were similar in terms of pain intensity during the initial aligning stage of orthodontic fixed appliance therapy. Gender, age, and the degree of crowding have no effect on the perceived discomfort experienced by patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.