MECHANICAL STRENGTH EVALUATION OF TWO SINGLE FILE SYSTEMS: RECIPROC VERSUS RECIPROC BLUE

Aim The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical characteristics of a new type of endodontic instrument, Reciproc Blue, by testing its flexibility and torsion resistance and how they impact the clinical practice. Material and Method Twelve NiTi instruments were selected from the same manufacturer (VDW, Munich, Germany), having the same ISO specifications, the only difference being the NiTi alloy utilized in the manufacturing process, M-Wire (Reciproc) and CM-Wire (Reciproc Blue). Mechanical behavior was assessed by two tests (a non-destructive test and a resistance test). Results The compression test showed similar results for both types of alloys, but for the CM-Wire heated alloy the fracture point appears at lower values. For the torsional test, the heated CM-Wire alloy instruments had the best outcome, they stiffen, losing elasticity but they increase their mechanical resistance to torsion, in comparison to the other two groups. Conclusions Reciproc Blue is a very useful and resilient endodontic instrument, which increases the safety of the therapeutic act, if the manufacturer protocol is respected.