Anzeige
Erschienen in:
01.07.2014 | Original article
Friction behavior and other material properties of nickel–titanium and titanium–molybdenum archwires following electrochemical surface refinement
Erschienen in: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie | Ausgabe 4/2014
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhaltenAbstract
Objectives
The aim of this work was to investigate whether electrochemical surface treatment of nickel–titanium (NiTi) and titanium–molybdenum (TiMo) archwires (OptoTherm™ and BetaTitan™; Ortho-Dent Specials, Kisdorf, Germany) reduces friction inside the bracket–archwire complex. We also evaluated further material properties and compared these to untreated wires.
Materials and methods
The material properties of the surface-treated wires (Optotherm/LoFrix™ and BetaTitan/LoFrix™) were compared to untreated wires made by the same manufacturer (see above) and by another manufacturer (Neo Sentalloy®; GAC, Bohemia, NY, USA). We carried out a three-point bending test, leveling test, and friction test using an orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS). In addition, a pure bending test was conducted at a special test station, and scanning electron micrographs were obtained to analyze the various wire types for surface characteristics. Finally, edge beveling and cross-sectional dimensions were assessed.
Results
Force losses due to friction were reduced by 10 percentage points (from 36 to 26%) in the NiTi and by 12 percentage points (from 59 to 47%) in the TiMo wire specimens. Most of the other material properties exhibited no significant changes after surface treatment. While the three-point bending tests revealed mildly reduced force levels in the TiMo specimens due to diameter losses of roughly 2%, these force levels remained almost unchanged in the NiTi specimens.
Conclusion
Compared to untreated NiTi and TiMo archwire specimens, the surface-treated specimens demonstrated reductions in friction loss by 10 and 12 percentage points, respectively.