Comparison of the shaping ability of RaCe and FlexMaster rotary nickel-titanium systems in simulated canals

The aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of RaCe and FlexMaster rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated canals. A total of 80 canals with four different shapes were prepared with either RaCe or FlexMaster instruments. Pre- and postoperative images of each canal were recorded and combined using image analysis software. The development of canal aberrations and transportation was assessed. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the systems for time of preparation to apical size 30, .06 taper; FlexMaster instruments took on average 1.86 min and RaCe 1.66 min. One RaCe and two FlexMaster instruments fractured. No zips, elbows, or danger zones were created. One perforation and eight outer widenings were created using FlexMaster instruments; RaCe instruments created two outer widenings. No differences were found between the instruments for direction of transportation. RaCe and FlexMaster nickel-titanium instruments prepared canals rapidly with few aberrations.     

Comparative investigation of two rotary nickel-titanium instruments: ProTaper versus RaCe. Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

AIM: To compare the shaping ability of ProTaper with Reamer with Alternating Cutting Edges (RaCe) instruments. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficacy of these two nickel-titanium instruments in simulated curved root canals. METHODOLOGY: Simulated canals with 28 degrees and 35 degrees curves in resin blocks were prepared with ProTaper and RaCe instruments using a crown-down preparation technique (n = 24 canals in each case). Pre- and postinstrumentation images were recorded, and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the apex. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded. The data were analysed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U-test or the chi-square test. RESULTS: On average, canals prepared with RaCe instruments remained better centred compared with those enlarged with ProTaper files. Three RaCe instruments and two ProTaper files fractured during preparation (P > 0.05). Between both the canal types, RaCe was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than ProTaper and maintained working length significantly better (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both instruments prepared curved canals rapidly and were relatively safe. RaCe respected original canal curvature better than ProTaper, which tended to transport towards the outer aspect of the curve.     

Comparative study on the shaping ability and cleaning efficiency of rotary Mtwo instruments. Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

AIM: To compare the shaping ability of Mtwo instruments with K3 and RaCe instruments. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficacy of these nickel-titanium instruments in simulated curved root canals. METHODOLOGY: Simulated canals with 28 degree and 35 degree curves in resin blocks were prepared with Mtwo instruments using a single length technique and with K3 and RaCe instruments using a crowndown preparation technique (n = 20 canals in each case). Pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the endpoint of preparation. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded. The data were analysed statistically using ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: On an average, canals prepared with Mtwo instruments remained better centred compared with those enlarged with K3 or RaCe instruments. Six RaCe instruments, four K3 files and none of the Mtwo instruments fractured during preparation (P > 0.05). In both of the canal types, Mtwo was significantly faster (P < 0.001). It was possible with all types of instruments to control working length as well. CONCLUSIONS: Mtwo instruments prepared curved canals rapidly, respected original canal curvature well and were safe to use.     

The shaping effects of three nickel-titanium rotary instruments in simulated S-shaped canals

The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping effects of three nickel-titanium rotary instruments, ProTaper, K3, and RaCe, with emphasis on canal transportation. Simulated canals with an S-shaped curvature in clear resin blocks were prepared with a torque-control, low-speed engine. Canals were prepared using the crown-down technique to the size of #30. Canal aberrations were assessed by comparing the pre- and postinstrumentation images under a stereomicroscope. ProTaper instruments caused greater widening of canals compared to K3 or RaCe. Furthermore, ProTaper files showed a tendency to ledge or zip formation at the end-point of preparation. These canal aberrations may be caused by ProTaper finishing files, which appear to be less flexible than other files of the same tip-size, because of their greater taper-size. These results suggest that nickel-titanium file systems including less tapered, more flexible instruments, like K3 and RaCe should be used in the apical preparation of canals with a complicated curvature.     

Shaping ability of Hero 642 rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals: Part 2

AIM: To determine the shaping ability of Hero 642 nickel-titanium rotary instruments during the preparation of simulated canals. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 simulated root canals made up of four different shapes, in terms of angle and position of curvature, were prepared by Hero 642 instruments using a crown-down preparation sequence. Pre- and postoperative images of the canals were taken using a video camera attached to a computer with image analysis software. The pre- and postoperative views were superimposed to highlight the amount and position of material removed during preparation. This report describes the efficacy of the instruments in terms of prevalence of canal aberrations, the amount and direction of canal transportation and overall postoperative shape. RESULTS: Four zips and four elbows were created during preparation, all in canals with 40 degrees, 12 mm curves. No perforations or danger zones were created. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were apparent between the canal shapes in total canal width at the apex and beginning of the curve, and in the amount of resin removed from the inner and outer aspects of the curve at the orifice. Canal transportation was most frequently directed toward the outer aspect of the curve at specific points along the canal, except at the orifice, where it was apparent that canals with 20 degrees curves transported toward the inner. Overall, mean absolute transportation was always less than 0.15 mm; however, significant differences occurred between canal shapes at the end-point (P < 0.01), apex of the curve (P < 0.01) and at the orifice (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, Hero 642 rotary nickel-titanium instruments created canals with few aberrations and no perforations. The relatively high proportion of aberrations in canals with short, acute curves may indicate that instruments with increased taper should be used with caution at or near the full working distance. Further research in real teeth is necessary to elucidate the full potential of these new rotary instruments for use in root canal preparation.     

Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium FlexMaster instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile--Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping ability of FlexMaster rotary nickel-titanium instruments with stainless steel hand K-Flexofiles. This part of the two-part report describes the efficiency of these two instruments in simulated curved root canals. METHODOLOGY: Simulated 28 degree- and 35 degree-curved canals were prepared by the FlexMaster instruments with a rotational speed of 250 rpm using a crown-down preparation technique. and by the K-Flexofiles using a reaming motion (n = 24 canals in each case). All canals were prepared up to size 35. The pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of the canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. The material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm away from the apex. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time,changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded. RESULTS: In comparison with stainless steel K-Flexofiles, the rotary FlexMaster instruments achieved bet-ter canal geometry, showed less canal transportation and created fewer canal aberrations in both the canal types. Two FlexMaster instruments were separated, and 15 FlexMaster instruments and 11 K-Flexofiles were permanently deformed during preparation. However, these differences were not significant (P > 0.05).Between both the canal types, FlexMaster was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than K-Flexofiles. Both instruments maintained a good working distance. CONCLUSIONS: FlexMaster instruments prepared curved canals rapidly, and with minimal transportation towards the outer aspect of the curve.     

Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium K3 instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile. Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

AIM: To compare the shaping ability of K3 rotary nickel-titanium instruments with stainless steel K-Flexofiles manipulated by hand. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficiency of these two instruments in simulated curved root canals. METHODOLOGY: Simulated canals with 28 degrees and 35 degrees curves in resin blocks were prepared by K3 instruments with a rotational speed of 250 r.p.m. using a crown-down preparation technique, or by K-Flexofiles using a reaming motion -i = 24 canals in each case). All canals were prepared up to size 35 at the end-point of preparation. Pre- and postinstrumentation images were recorded, and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the apex. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded. RESULTS: In comparison with stainless steel K-Flexofiles, rotary K3 instruments achieved better canal geometry and showed significantly less canal transportation (P < 0.05) Eleven K3 instruments and none of the K-Flexofiles fractured during preparation (P < 0.05). Between both the canal types, K3 was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than K-Flexofiles. Both instruments maintained a good working distance. CONCLUSIONS: K3 instruments prepared curved canals rapidly and with minimal transportation towards the outer aspect of the curve. Fractures occurred significantly more often with K3.     

The influence of various automated devices on the shaping ability of Mtwo rotary nickel-titanium instruments

AIM: To compare the shaping ability of Mtwo rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated curved canals and in curved canals of extracted teeth when set into permanent rotation with two different torque-limited automated devices. METHODOLOGY: Root canal instrumentation was performed with two different torque-limited automated devices (Mtwo direct handpiece and Endo IT motor) using Mtwo rotary nickel-titanium instruments up to size 35. Simulated canals: 28 degrees and 35 degrees curved canals in resin blocks (n = 20 canals in each group) were prepared. Pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Extracted teeth: a total of 40 curved root canals were divided into two groups, which were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were recorded both in simulated and real canals and were analysed using the t-test and a chi-square test. RESULTS: In simulated canals, instrumentation with Endo IT was significantly faster than with Mtwo direct (P < 0.05). No significant differences between the two devices were noted when all other parameters were assessed (P > 0.05). Only one instrument separated (Mtwo direct) during the enlargement of 28 degrees curved simulated canals. All systems maintained working distance well. CONCLUSIONS: Both systems respected original root canal curvature well and were safe, indicating that the Mtwo direct handpiece is suitable for preparing curved root canals with the Mtwo instruments.     

Hero 642对弯曲根管根管成形能力的评价

目的：评价机用镍钛锉Hero 642预备弯曲根管时的根管成形能力。方法：利用自主研制的《牙齿模拟根管辅助分析测量系统》软件,定量检测8个模拟根管在用Hero 642以冠下法预备前后的形态变化,并进行统计学分析。结果：机用镍钛锉Hero 642能够很好地保持根管的原始弯曲度。在预备至0.02锥度25#銼和30#锉时,Hero 642对弯曲根管的各部位切割均衡,根管几何中心线基本不移位。结论：机用镍钛锉Hero 642具有良好的根管成形能力。对于高度弯曲的根管,预备主锉仍可选择0.02锥度30^#锉。     

Influence of different types of automated devices on the shaping ability of rotary nickel-titanium FlexMaster instruments

AIM: To compare the shaping ability of rotary FlexMaster nickel-titanium instruments in simulated curved canals and in curved canals of extracted teeth when set into permanent rotation with three different torque-limited automated devices. METHODOLOGY: Root canal instrumentation was performed with three different torque-limited automated devices (ENDOadvance, SIRONiTi and Endo IT motor) by FlexMaster nickel-titanium instruments up to size 35. Simulated canals: 28 degree and 35 degree curved canals in resin blocks (n = 20 canals in each group) were prepared. Pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Extracted teeth: A total of 60 curved root canals were divided into three groups, which were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were recorded both in simulated and real canals. RESULTS: In simulated and real canals, instrumentation with Endo IT was significantly faster than with SIRONiTi (P < 0.05). With respect to canal aberrations in simulated canals, there were no significant differences between the devices (P > 0.05), even though more aberrations were created with ENDOadvance and SIRONiTi. In real canals, the Endo IT motor resulted in significantly less straightening during instrumentation (P < 0.05) than SIRONiTi. A total of three instruments separated (one file in each group) during the enlargement of 35 degree curved simulated canals. All systems maintained working distance well. CONCLUSIONS: All systems respected original root canal curvature well and were safe, indicating that torque-limited rotation handpieces are suitable for preparing curved root canals.     

Shaping ability of Profile rotary nickel-titanium instruments with ISO sized tips in simulated root canals: Part 1

The aim of this study was to determine the shaping ability of ProFile 0.04 taper rotary nickel-titanium instruments with ISO sized tips in simulated canals. A total of 40 simulated root canals made up of four different shapes in terms of angle and position of curvature were prepared by ProFile instruments using the 'crown down' approach recommended by the manufacturer. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficacy of the instruments in terms of preparation time, instrument failure, canal blockages, loss of canal length and three-dimensional canal form. The time necessary for canal preparation was on average 5.2 min and was not influenced significantly by canal shape. Three instrument fractures occurred and a further 3 instruments deformed; size 35 instruments failed the most (4) followed by size 30 (2), four of the failures occurred in canals with 40° curves. None of the canals became blocked with debris and change in working distance was minimal. Intra-canal impressions of canal form demonstrated that most canals had apical stops and smooth canal walls whereas all canals had good flow and taper. Under the conditions of this study, ProFile 0.04 taper rotary nickel-titanium instruments with ISO sized tips prepared simulated canals rapidly and created good three-dimensional form.     

Comparison of root canal preparation using RaCe and ProTaper rotary Ni-Ti instruments

AIM: To compare various parameters of root canal preparation using RaCe (FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) and ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments. METHODOLOGY: Fifty extracted mandibular molars with mesial root canal curvatures between 20 degrees and 40 degrees were embedded in a muffle system. All root canals were prepared to size 30 using RaCe or ProTaper rotary instruments in low-torque motors with torque control and constant speed of 300 r.p.m. (ProTaper with ATR Tecnika, Advanced Technology Research, Pistoia, Italy; RaCe with EndoStepper, S.E.T., Olching, Germany). In both groups irrigation was performed with 2 mL NaOCl (3%) after each instrument size. Calcinase-Slide (lege artis, Dettenhausen, Germany) was used as a chelating agent with each instrument. The following parameters were evaluated: straightening of curved root canals, postoperative root canal cross-sections, safety issues and working time. Cleanliness of the root canal walls was investigated under the SEM using 5-score indices for debris and smear layer. Statistical analysis was performed using the following tests: Wilcoxon's test for straightening and working time was used (P < 0.05); Fisher's exact test for comparison of cross-sections and root canal cleanliness (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Both Ni-Ti systems maintained curvature well; the mean degree of straightening was less than 1 degrees for both systems. Following preparation with RaCe, 49% of the root canals had a round or oval diameter and 50% an irregular diameter, ProTaper preparations resulted in a round or oval diameter in 50% of the cases. For debris, RaCe and ProTaper achieved 47 and 49% scores of 1 and 2, respectively; there was no significant difference. For smear layer, RaCe and ProTaper achieved 51 and 33% scores 1 and 2, respectively; no statistically significant differences were apparent for the coronal and middle sections of the root canals, but RaCe performed significantly better in the apical region (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0392). Two roots lost working length with RaCe instruments, whilst ProTaper preparation resulted in two roots loosing working length and one fractured instrument. Mean working time was shorter for ProTaper (90.9 s) than for RaCe (137.6 s); the difference was significant (Wilcoxon's test, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Both systems respected original root canal curvature well and were safe to use. Cleanliness was not satisfactory for both systems.     

Shaping ability of three ProFile rotary instrumentation techniques in simulated resin root canals

The aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of three ProFile rotary instrumentation techniques and a conventional step-back method in simulated root canals. Prevalence of canal aberrations, change in working length, and preparation time were measured. A total of 48 composite images were made from pre- and postcanal scanned images using Corel Photopaint 8.0 and then the amount of coronal substance the instruments removed was also calculated two-dimensionally on digitized images with the Brain C software to compare the enlarging efficiency. There were no significant differences between the three rotary groups in preparation time, change in working length, and the incidence of aberrations (p > 0.05). The amount of coronal substance the instruments removed in the ProFile .04 taper group was significantly smaller than the other three groups (p < 0.05).     

Shaping ability of Hero 642 rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals: Part 1

AIM: To determine the general efficacy and shaping ability of Hero 642 nickel-titanium rotary instruments during the preparation of simulated canals. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficacy of the instruments in terms of three-dimensional canal form. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 simulated root canals made up of four different shapes in terms of angle and position of curvature were prepared by Hero 642 instruments using a crown-down preparation sequence. The efficacy of the instruments was assessed in terms of preparation time, instrument failure, canal blockages and loss of canal length. Intra-canal impressions were taken of the prepared canals in order to assess three-dimensional canal form. RESULTS: The mean time for canal preparation was 8.6 min and was influenced significantly (P < 0.05) by canal shape. Two instruments fractured and eight instruments deformed; significant differences were observed between canal shapes (P < 0.05). All of the canals remained patent. Fifteen canals (39.5%) maintained the correct working distance, 15 lost distance and eight canals gained length. Examination of intracanal impressions demonstrated that the majority of canals (79%) had apical stops; canal shape had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the quality of apical stops. With one exception all canals had smooth canal walls and all of the canals showed good flow characteristics. Taper was poor in 30 canals (79%) and good in eight canals (21%). CONCLUSIONS: Hero 642 rotary nickel-titanium instruments prepared simulated canals rapidly but with a three-dimensional form that lacked adequate taper.     

Comparative investigation of two rotary nickel-titanium instruments: ProTaper versus RaCe. Part 2. Cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth

AIM: To determine the cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of ProTaper and RaCe nickel-titanium rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth. METHODOLOGY: A total of 48 root canals of mandibular and maxillary molars with curvatures ranging between 25 degrees and 35 degrees were divided into two groups of 24 canals each. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation with the initial instrument inserted into the canal, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared using a crown-down preparation technique. After each instrument, the root canals were flushed with a 2.5% NaOCl solution and at the end of instrumentation with NaCl. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. After splitting the roots longitudinally, the amount of debris and smear layer was quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data established for scoring the debris and the smear layer were separately recorded and analysed statistically using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Two ProTaper and three RaCe instruments fractured; there was no significant difference between instrument types (P > 0.05). Completely clean root canals were never observed. For debris removal, RaCe files achieved significantly better results (P < 0.001) than ProTaper instruments. The results for remaining smear layer were similar and not significantly different (P > 0.05). RaCe instruments maintained the original canal curvature significantly better (P < 0.05) than ProTaper instruments. No significant differences were detected between the instruments (P > 0.05) for the time taken to prepare the canals. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, RaCe instruments resulted in relatively good cleaning and maintained the original curvature significantly better than ProTaper did.     

机用ProTaper锉和Flexofile不锈钢锉根管成形能力的对比研究

目的比较机用ProTaper锉和Flexofile不锈钢锉在弯曲树脂模拟根管中的成形能力。方法将40个树脂模拟根管随机分为两组,分别使用机用ProTaper锉以冠向下技术预备和Flexofile不锈钢锉以平衡力技术预备。预备过程中记录工作长度的变化和器械变形及分离的发生,预备结束后使用Image Pro Plus 5.0软件测量根管弯曲度和弯曲半径的变化以及内外侧壁树脂去除量,并计算器械中心定位力以及树脂去除总量。结果机用ProTaper锉与Flexofile不锈钢锉相比,能够保持较好的工作长度,较少发生根管不良形态,根管直化度较小,具有较好的中心定位力,预备后的根管具有较好的锥度形态。结论机用ProTaper锉具有良好的根管成形能力,可有效地预备弯曲根管。     

Shaping ability of ProFile.04 Taper Series 29 rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals. Part 1

The aim of this study was to determine the shaping ability of ProFile.04 Taper Series 29 nickel-titanium instruments in simulated canals. A total of 40 simulated root canals made up of four different shapes in terms of angle and position of curvature were prepared by ProFile instruments using a step-down approach. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficacy of the instruments in terms of preparation time, instrument failure, canal blockages, loss of canal length and three-dimensional canal form. The time necessary for canal preparation was not influenced significantly by canal shape. No instrument fractures occurred but a total of 52 instruments deformed. Size 6 instruments deformed the most followed by sizes 5, 3 and 4. Canal shape did not influence significantly instrument deformation. None of the canals became blocked with debris and loss of working distance was on average 0.5 mm or less. Intracanal impressions of canal form demonstrated that most canals had definite apical stops, smooth canal walls and good flow and taper. Under the conditions of this study, ProFile.04 Taper Series 29rotary nickel-titanium instruments prepared simulated canals rapidly and created good three-dimensional form. A substantial number of instruments deformed but it was not possible to determine whether this phenomenon occurred because of the nature of the experimental model or through an inherent design weakness in the instruments.     

Shaping ability of Quantec Series 2000 rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals: Part 1

The aim of this study was to determine the shaping ability of Quantec Series 2000 nickel-titanium instruments in simulated canals. A total of 40 simulated root canals made up of four different shapes in terms of angle and position of curvature were prepared by Quantec instruments using the technique recommended by the manufacturer. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficacy of the instruments in terms of preparation time, instrument failure, canal blockages, change in canal length and three-dimensional canal form. The time necessary for canal preparation was on average 5.7 min and was significantly influenced ( P < 0.01) by canal shape. One instrument fractured and three size nine instruments deformed; however, canal shape did not influence significantly instrument failure. All of the canals remained patent, none became blocked with debris. The majority of the canals maintained working distance (26 out of 40), however the mean change in length differed significantly ( P < 0.05) between canal types. Overall, canals with 40° curves lost length whilst those with 20° curves gained in length. Examination of intracanal impressions revealed that preparation with Quantec Series 2000 instruments produced canals with definite apical stops, smooth canal walls and good flow and taper. However, the quality of apical smoothness and flow was influenced significantly ( P < 0.0001) by canal shape with specimens having 40° canals displaying less desirable qualities. Under the conditions of this study, Quantec Series 2000 rotary nickel-titanium instruments prepared simulated canals rapidly, safely and with good three-dimensional form.     

Preparation of severely curved simulated root canals using engine-driven rotary and conventional hand instruments

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy and safety of six different nickel-titanium engine-driven instruments used with a torque-controlled engine device and nickel-titanium hand and stainless steel hand instruments in preparation of curved canals. A total of 80 curved (36°) simulated root canals were prepared. Images before and after were superimposed, and instrumentation areas were observed. Time of instrumentation, instrument failure, change in working length and weight loss were also recorded. Results show that stainless steel hand instruments cause significantly less transportation towards the inner wall of the canal than do nickel-titanium hand instruments. No instrument fracture occurred with hand instruments, but 30–60% breakage of instruments was recorded during instrumentation with the engine-driven devices. The working length was maintained by all types of instruments. Newly developed nickel-titanium rotary files were not able to prevent straightening of the severely curved canals when a torque-controlled engine-driven device was used. Received: 26 January 2000 / Accepted: 11 July     

Comparative study on the shaping ability and cleaning efficiency of rotary Mtwo instruments. Part 2. Cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth

AIM: To compare the cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of Mtwo, K3, and RaCe nickel-titanium rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 root canals of mandibular and maxillary molars with curvatures ranging between 25 degrees and 35 degrees were divided into three groups of 20 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation with the initial instrument inserted into the canal, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared using a low-torque control motor. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. The amount of debris and smear layer was quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale. The data established for scoring the debris and the smear layer was separately recorded and analysed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: During preparation no instrument separated. Completely clean root canals were never observed. For debris removal Mtwo instruments achieved significantly better results (P < 0.001) than K3 and RaCe instruments. The results for remaining smear layer were similar and not significantly different (P > 0.05). Mtwo instruments maintained the original canal curvature significantly better (P < 0.05) than the other instruments. Instrumentation with Mtwo files was significantly faster than with K3 or RaCe instruments (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, Mtwo instruments resulted in good cleaning and maintained the original curvature significantly better than K3 or RaCe files.