Evaluation of the mechanical properties and surface topography of as-received, immersed and as-retrieved orthodontic archwires

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This experimental study mainly aims at comparing the most important mechanical properties of the new orthodontic archwires, those immersed in fluorinated solution, the as-retrieved ones and the intra-oral used ones. METHODS: A total of 270 arch wires were tested, using tensile testing and three-point bending tests. The tested archwires were made of Stainless Steel, Nickel Titanium, Beta-Titanium and physiognomic covered Nickel Titanium. The tested archwires were subjected to three types of treatments: immersion into fluorinated solution, immersion into carbonated drinks and intra-oral use. RESULTS: The immersion caused variations of the activation and deactivation forces of all arch wires. The most affected arch wires, in terms of bending characteristics, were the intra-oral used ones. CONCLUSIONS: The alteration of mechanical properties of the orthodontic arch wires by their immersion into fluorinated solutions and soft drinks could not be statistically demonstrated.