The mechanical behavior of as received and retrieved nickel titanium orthodontic archwires

Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the characteristics of as received and retrieved NiTi archwires at a constant temperature by plotting their load/deflection graphs and quantifying three parameters describing the discharge plateau phase. Materials and methods Two hundred four NiTi archwires, traditional and heat-activated, of various cross sections, were obtained from 5 different manufacturers. Specimens prepared from the selected wires were subjected to a three-point bending test where 92 were retrieved through an in vivo retrieval protocol (crowding group C1 and group C2), 56 went through an in vitro retrieval protocol, and 56 were as received. The in vitro retrieval protocol was performed by a gear motor connected to a stainless steel support that performed fatigue cycles to the bent wires in artificial saliva. The load/deflection graphs of as received and retrieved wires were described through three parameters and the results were analyzed with classification and regression trees (CART) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Statistically significant differences between as received and retrieved wires were found only for the parameter plateau slope which represents the constancy of force expressed by the wire. Conclusions The aging of NiTi archwires influences the force constancy expressed. The behavior of the wires changes depending on the size, brand, and type of retrieval protocol. In terms of performance, the poorest is represented by all wires retrieved in vitro and in vivo group C2 (moderate to severe crowding).