Abstract:
Nickel-titanium arch wire has several advantages in orthodontic treatment. In the
last few years many new nickel-titanium orthodontic arch wires have been introduced
in Thailand with great varieties of prices and manufactures.
The aim of this study was to study composition, phase transformation and
mechanical properties of 14 different nickel-titanium preformed arch wires with a
nominal size of 0.016 x 0.022 inch. These wires were examined using scanning
electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS), surface
roughness tester, optical microscope, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and
three point bending test. The three-point bending test was carried out at 36oC. Six
specimens of each wire were tested. Load-deflection test was carried out on three point
bending test at deflection on 3.1 mm., and data from selected points on the unloading
phase of the generated graphs were descriptive statistically analyzed.
The compositions were Nickel (50.085%-51.605%), Titanium (46.675%-
48.140%), Copper (0.995%-1.155%), Aluminum (0.220%-1.325%), Chromium (0%-
0.275%), Iron (0%-0.030%). None contained Cobalt. The surface roughness of the 14
wires, Flexwire was smoothest and NIC was the roughest. NIC had a higher surface
roughness, about 10 times that of Flexwire. The dimensions of the grain size of the 14
wires were typically 2-8 μm. G&H, Ormco, AMDG, IMD, Smart, TruFlex, Force 1,
NIC, Sentalloy, Ortho Supply and Flexwire were almost or completely austenitic in
the oral environment, whereas Highland, Grikin and Unitex were a mixture of
austenite and martensite. The wires showed austenitic finish temperatures ranging
from 17°C to 59°C. On three point bending test, during loading and unloading, the
delivered forces changed slightly when the deflection varied. Sentalloy wire applied
the lowest continuous force. All commercial wires may not necessarily behave in the
same manner.
The results of this study show that nickel-titanium orthodontic arch wires have
differences in composition, phase transformation and mechanical properties. This
information is valuable for the evaluation of differences in performance of nickeltitanium
orthodontic wires found in clinical studies.