Effects of stress relaxation in beta-titanium cantilevers used in orthodontic mechanics

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the force decay and design shape changes caused by stress relaxation in two different orthodontic cantilever configurations. METHODS: Eighty cantilevers made of 0.017 x 0.025-in beta-titanium wires were standardized in a passive position, using real scale templates, and randomly divided into two groups (n = 40): Type 1 and Type 2. Each group received a different design (Type 1 with three bends, and Type 2 with two bends), and both were divided in four subgroups (n = 10) according to the evaluation periods: G1 = 24h, G2 = 1 week, G3 = 4 weeks, and G4 = 8 weeks. Mechanical tests were performed immediately after preactivation and at the end of each period, to evaluate force decay. The cantilevers were also scanned and the angles of the bends were measured to assess shape changes. RESULTS: Cantilever forces decayed over time. Type 1 - G1 showed less force decay than Type 2 (10.83 cN vs 17.87 cN). Type 1 cantilevers showed significant force decay only when G4 was compared to G1 (9.05 cN), G2 (11.73 cN), and G3 (9.78 cN). Type 2 cantilevers presented differences when G1 was compared to G2 (9.57 cN) and G3 (7.89 cN). Regarding to the cantilever angle closest to the bracket insertion, Type 1 cantilevers showed significant decrease for G2 (1.58°) and G4 (1.52°). CONCLUSIONS: Cantilevers’ design and proximity of the bends influenced force decay pattern overtime. Type 1 cantilevers presented more stable design at the first weeks than Type 2.