NITINOL

Presented by: Dr. H M Manisha

Post Graduate Student I Year
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
 2

CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Structure of NiTi
• Properties of nickel titanium alloy
• Shape memory
• Superelasticity
• Phase transformation
• Hysteresis
• Temperature transition range
• Properties of NiTiNOL
NiTiNOL
 3

CONTENTS
• Effect of additions and impurities
• Biocompatibility of NiTi alloys
• Nickel hypersensitivity
• Intraoral aging
• Corrosion susceptibility
• Recycling & Sterilization of Nickel Titanium
• Classification of NiTi compounds

NiTiNOL
 4

INTRODUCTION
• NiTi is a metal alloy containing roughly equal atomic
percentages of nickel and titanium. It was discovered in
early 1960s by William Buehler, a research metallurgist
at the US Naval Ordinance Laboratory in Silver
Springs, Maryland.

• Andreasen G.F et al introduced the first nickel-

titanium alloys for orthodontic use in the 1972,
containing  55% nickel and 45% titanium.
NiTiNOL
 5

INTRODUCTION
• The Unitek Corporation licensed the patent [1974] and
offered a stabilized martensitic alloy under the name,
NiTiNOL, which is a stabilized form of the alloy in
which work hardening has abolished the phase
transformation 

NiTiNOL
 6

STRUCTURE OF NITI
• Austenite phase/parent phase: Interpenetrating simple
cubic structure of the alloy at high temperature.
Stronger phase.

• Martensite phase/daughter phase: Monoclinic crystal

structure at lower temperature.

NiTiNOL
 7

STRUCTURE OF NITI

NiTiNOL
 8

STRUCTURE OF NITI
• Two crucial aspect of this phase transformation are
that the transformation is reversible, meaning that
heating above the transformation temperature will
revert the crystal structure to the simpler austenite
phase. The second key point is that the transformation
in both directions is instantaneous.

NiTiNOL
 9

PROPERTIES OF NICKEL TITANIUM

ALLOY
• Shape Memory

• Super elasticity

• Martensite crystal structure has the unique ability to

undergo limited deformation without breaking atomic
bonds. This type of deformation is known as twinning,
which consists of the rearrangement of atomic planes
without causing slip or permanent deformation. It can
withstand about 6–8% strain without permanent
NiTiNOL
 10

PROPERTIES OF NICKEL TITANIUM

ALLOY
• TWINNING refers to a movement that divides the crystal lattice into two
symmetric parts which are no longer in the same plane but rather at a certain
angle.

• The resulting structure is caused by Bain strains [homogenous lattice-distortive

strain], which is responsible for the alloy’s shape memory and superelasticity,
properties that derive from the twinning-detwinning mechanism.

• Memory effects lasts only as long as twinning-detwinning phenomenon can take

place. When atoms slide against each other with a full lattice unit – Irreversible
transformation takes place.

NiTiNOL
 11

TWINNING IN NITI ALLOY

NiTiNOL
 12

PHASE TRANSFORMATION
TERMINOLOGIES 
• Phase Transformation: The change from one alloy phase to another
with a change in temperature, pressure, stress, chemistry, and/or
time. It is governed primarily by the free-energy difference between the
parent phase and potential new phases.

• Shape Memory: The ability of certain alloys to return to a

predetermined shape upon heating via a phase transformation.

• Austenitic start (As) Temperature: The temperature at which the shape

memory alloy (SMA) starts transforming to Austenite upon heating.

• Ap Temperature: The temperature at which the SMA is about 50%

transformed to Austenite upon heating.
NiTiNOL
 13

PHASE TRANSFORMATION
TERMINOLOGIES 
• Austenitic finish (Af) Temperature: The temperature at which a shape
memory alloy finishes transforming to austenite upon heating. Most
important marker.

• Martensitic start (Ms) Temperature: The temperature at which a SMA

starts transforming to Martensite upon cooling.

•  Mp Temperature: The temperature, at which a SMA is about 50%

transformed to Martensite upon cooling.

• Martensitic finish (Mf) Temperature: The temperature at which a SMA

finishes transforming to Martensite upon cooling.
NiTiNOL
 14

PHASE TRANSFORMATION
Reversible and instantaneous transformation as a function of temperature

heating
cooling

NiTiNOL
 15

PHASE TRANSFORMATION
TERMINOLOGIES
• Md: Upper limit of austenite finish temperature at which it is still possible to
stress-induce the formation of martensite.
Below Md, martensite formation under load allows superelasticity due to twinning.
Above Md, since martensite is no longer formed, the only response to stress is slip
of the austenitic microstructure, and thus permanent deformation.

•  R Phase: Martensitic phase in nature, but is not the martensite that is

responsible for the shape memory and superelastic effect. Often completely
absent.

• It does not offer the large memory effects of the martensite phase.
Superelasticity is exhibited within a very narrow temperature range.

NiTiNOL
 16

HYSTERESIS
•  There is a difference in the transformation temperatures resulting in
a delay or lag in the transformation which is known as the
transformation temperature hysteresis.

• Defined as the difference between the temperatures at which the

material is 50% transformed to austenite upon heating and 50%
transformed to martensite upon cooling.

• In NiTi alloys, it is generally measured as the difference between A p

and Mp which is between 25-50°C. Thus, NitiNOL transformations
exhibit thermal hysteresis. Ms ≠ Af and Mf ≠ As.

• Copper additions have shown to reduce the hysteresis to about 10 to

NiTiNOL
15°C and Niobium additions can expand the hysteresis over 100°C.
 17

HYSTERESIS

cooling

AP
MP

Heating
HYSTERESIS

NiTiNOL
 18

TEMPERATURE TRANSITION
RANGE
• Martensitic transformations do not occur at a precise temperature but
rather within a range known as temperature transition range(TTR).

• Range for most binary NiTi alloys → 40° - 60° C.

• Transformation from Austenite to Martensite can occur by lowering

the temperature or by applying stress.

• Specific TTR is a function of composition of the alloy and its

processing history.  

NiTiNOL
 19

TEMPERATURE TRANSITION
RANGE

NiTiNOL
 20

SHAPE MEMORY
• Cooling austenite to form martensite, deforming the martensite,
heating to revert to austenite, thus returning the original, undeformed
shape is known as the thermal shape memory effect.

• To fix the original parent shape, the alloy must be held in position and
heated to about 500 °C (932 °F). This process is usually called shape
setting.

• THERMOELASTICITY: Diffusion less, thermally reversible phase

transformation characterized by a crystal lattice distortion due to
which when alloy is cooled below transition temperature, it deforms
plastically. But when it is heated again the original shape is restored
NiTiNOL
 21

SUPERELASTICITY
• Stress induced martensitic transformation. Superelasticity occurs at a
narrow temperature range just above its transformation temperature.

• The springy, “rubber like” behaviour present in NiTi shape memory alloys at
temperatures above the Austenite finish temperature. The superelasticity
arises from the formation and reversal of stress induced martensite.

• In later 1980s, NiTi wires with an active austenitic grain structures (A NiTi)
appeared- with property of superelasticity.

NiTiNOL
 22

SUPERELASTICITY
• Typical Loading And Unloading Behavior Of Superelastic NiTi: Part of the
unusual nature of a superelastic material is that its unloading curve differs
from its loading curve (the reversibility has an energy loss associated with it).

Martensite

Austenite

• The force that the alloy delivers is not the same as the force applied to activate
NiTiNOL
it.
 23

SUPERELASTICITY
• The different loading and unloading curves produce a more remarkable
effect that the force delivered by an A-NITI wire can be changed during
clinical use, merely by releasing and retying it to induce stress in wire.

• Superelastic compounds generally present a high stiffness in the initial

segment of the slope of the stress-strain graph when the deflection of the
wire is still minimum.

• The initial activation force required for austenitic NiTi can be 3 times
greater than the force required to deflect a classic work hardened
martensitic wire (nitinol).

NiTiNOL
 24

MECHANISM OF
SUPERELASTICITY
• Unique force deflection curve for A-NiTi occurs because of phase transition
in grain structure from Austenite to Martensite, in response not to
temperature change but applied force.

• This transformation is mechanical analogue of thermally induced shape

memory effect, the Austenitic alloy undergoes a transition in internal
structure in response to stress without requiring a significant temperature
change.

• It is possible for these materials as their temperature transition range is

close to room temperature.

NiTiNOL
 25

MECHANISM OF
SUPERELASTICITY
• Md of A-NiTi group is above mouth temperature allowing formation of stress
induced martensite at oral temperature.

• Af (Austenitic finish) temperature of these alloys is below mouth

temperature and so, formation of stress induced martensite is reversible
when stress is reduced.   

• These alloys cannot be easily cooled down below their Ms  (martensitic start)
temperature and do not display clinically useful shape memory.

NiTiNOL
 26

AF TEMPERATURE AND
SUPERELASTICITY
• To exploit superelasticity to its fullest potential, the working temperature of
orthodontic appliances should be greater than the Af temperature.

• It is the differential between Af temperature and mouth temperature that

determines the force generated by NiTi alloys.

• Af can be controlled over wide range by affecting composition,

thermomechanical treatment and manufacturing process of alloy.

• A superelastic material will not be superelastic at all temperatures, but will

exhibit good superelastic properties in a temperature window extending from
the Active Af temperature upto a temperature which is about 50°C above
active Af.
NiTiNOL
 27

PROPERTIES OF NITINOL
• Spring back and Flexibility
Difference between maximum deflection and final deflection after loading.
Most advantageous property. Low force per unit of deactivation – stiffness.
NiTinol wires have greater spring back and larger recoverable energy than
Stainless Steel or β-Titanium when activated to same extent. High spring
back is useful in circumstances that require large deflections but low forces.
Delivers 1/5th – 1/6th force per unit of deactivation.

• Spring Rate / Load Deflection Rate

Load deflection rate of stainless steel is twice that of NiTinol. NiTinol wire will
produce a lower, more constant and continuous force on teeth than would a
stainless steel wire of equivalent size.

NiTiNOL
 28

PROPERTIES OF NITINOL
•  Formability
Nitinol has poor formability. Bending adversely effects springback property of
this wire and so bending of loops and stops is not recommended.
Any 1st, 2nd and 3rd order bends have to be over prescribed to obtain
desired permanent bend. 
Cinch backs distal to molar tubes can be obtained by flame annealing the
end of wire. This makes the wire dead soft and it can be bent into the
preferred configuration. A dark blue color indicates the desired annealing
temperature. Care should be taken not to overheat the wire because this
makes it brittle.

NiTiNOL
 29

PROPERTIES OF NITINOL
• Shape Memory
Andreasen and Morrow described the “shape memory” phenomenon as capability of
wire to return to a previously manufactured shape when it is heated through
Temperature Transition Range.
Shape memory effect had been suppressed by cold working the wire, during drawing
to more than 8 – 10%.

• Joinability: Not joinable. Crimpable hooks and stops are recommended for use.

• Friction: Bracket wire frictional forces with nitinol wires are higher than those with
SS wires and lower than those with β-Ti, in 0.018 inch slot.
In 0.022 inch slot – NiTi and β-Ti wires demonstrated similar levels of friction.
Although NiTi has greater surface roughness Beta –Ti has greater frictional resistance.
NiTiNOL
 30

ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
• Fewer arch wire changes. •  Poor formability
• Poor joinability
• Less chair side time. • Low Stiffness and can be easily
deflected.
• Less patient discomfort. • Inadequate stability at
completion of treatment. Such
stability is often best maintained
• Reduction in time to accomplish by using stiffer Stainless Steel
rotations wires.
• Tendency for dentoalveolar
expansion.
• Expensive.
NiTiNOL
 31

EFFECT OF ADDITIONS AND

IMPURITIES
• Adding a third metal can lower the TTR to as low as - 330° F ( - 200°
C),narrows the difference between cooling and heating (Narrow Hysteresis).

• For thermally activated purposes most common third metals are Cu and Co
because thy reduce the hysteresis and bring TTR close to body temperature.

• Dissolved interstitial elements such as O, N and C, disrupt the matrices which

affects alloy shape memory and super elasticity.

• Thermally respondent wires are designed so that composition , annealing and

cold working match Ms to temperature of human body
NiTiNOL
 32

BIOCOMPATIBLITY OF NITI ALLOY

• Nickel is the most common metal to cause contact dermatitis in orthodontics.

• Nickel-titanium alloys may have nickel content in excess of 50 per cent and can
thus potentially release enough nickel in the oral environment to elicit
manifestations of an allergic reaction.

• Ion-implanted nickel-titanium archwires have their surface bombarded with

nitrogen ions, which forms an amorphous surface layer, conferring corrosion
resistance and displacing nickel atoms.

• Manufacturers claim that these altered nickel titanium archwires exhibit less
corrosion than stainless steel or non-coated nickel-titanium wires, which results
in a reduction of the release of nickel and decrease the risk of an allergic
response.
NiTiNOL
 33

NICKEL HYPERSENSITIVITY
• Nickel is a strong immunologic sensitizer and may result in contact
hypersensitivity due to a direct relationship with the presence of this
metal in the environment and may be caused by ingestion or direct
contact with the skin and/or mucosa.

• Nickel-induced contact dermatitis is a Type IV delayed hypersensitivity

immune response occurring at least 24 hours after exposure.

• The absorbed nickel binds to certain proteins and forms antigens that,
in turn, when in contact with the T lymphocytes of the regional lymph
nodes, result in the formation of activated specialized T-cells. These T-
cells are capable of causing tissue damage once brought into the blood
NiTiNOL
circulation by lymph vessels.
 34

NICKEL HYPERSENSITIVITY

• This immune response has two interrelated distinct phases: the

sensitization phase, which occurs from the moment the allergen enters the
body and is recognized, and the elicitation phase, which occurs after re-
exposure to the allergen and is characterized by the full clinical reaction.

• Tissue reactions may consist of intraoral diffuse red zones, blisters and
ulcerations extending to the perioral area, and eczematic and urticarial
reactions of the face or more distant skin areas.

• It is estimated that 4.5% to 28.5% of the population have hypersensitivity

to nickel, more prevalent in females.
NiTiNOL
 35

NICKEL HYPERSENSITIVITY

NiTiNOL
 36

INTRAORAL AGING
•  Intra oral exposure of NiTi wires alter the topography & structure of the
alloy surface through surface attack in form of pitting, crevice corrosion, or
formation of integuments.

• Adsorption of intraoral integuments might greatly reduce the coefficient of

friction (salivary protein adsorption, plaque accumulation) . Alternatively
calcified integuments might increase surface resistance & resistance to shear
forces.

• Intraorally exposed NiTi wires do break more frequently than expected.

• Variations in intra oral temprature might affect their properties & fracture
resistance.
NiTiNOL
 37

CORROSION SUSCEPTIBILITY
• Corrosion in alloys becomes a factor in the quality of the wire performance
in Orthodontics.

• Corrosion phenomena are increased by internal stresses in the metal

appliances, by the inhomogeneous structure of the alloy, and by different
metals coming into contact.

•  Intra oral exposure of NiTi wires alter the topography & structure of the
alloy surface through surface attack in form of pitting, crevice corrosion, or
formation of integuments. 

NiTiNOL
 38

CORROSION SUSCEPTIBILITY
• SEM photographs revealed that some nickel titanium and stainless steel
wires were susceptible to pitting and localized corrosion. The nitrides
coating did not affect the corrosion of the alloy, but epoxy coating decreased
corrosion.

• Titanium wires and epoxy-coated nickel titanium wires exhibited the least
corrosive potential.

NiTiNOL
 39

RECYCLING & STERILIZATION OF

NICKEL TITANIUM
• Archwire recycling of NiTinol wires is often practiced because of their favorable
physical properties and the high cost of the wire.

• The ability to recycle these archwire relies on effective sterilization of the wire
prior to re-use without resulting in deterioration of clinical properties.

• For effective sterilization, steam autoclaving (ideally at 134ºC, 32 psi for 3

minutes) is the method recommended.

• For instruments unable to withstand autoclaving, an effective cold disinfection

solution such as 2% glutaraldehyde is an alternative
NiTiNOL
 40

NiTiNOL
 41

NiTiNOL
 42

NITINOL
Presented by: Dr. H M Manisha
NiTiNOL
Post Graduate Student I Year
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
 43

CONTENTS
• Classification of Orthodontic archwires
• Classification of NiTi Compounds
• Conventional NiTiNOL
• Pseudoelastic NiTiNOL
• Chinese NiTi
• Japanese NiTi
• Copper NiTi and its types
• Active Martensitic Thermodynamic NiTi

NiTiNOL
 44

CONTENTS
• Thermoelastic NiTi
• Graded Thermodynamic NiTi
• NiTiNOL Total Contro
• Supercable
• Esthetic NiTiNOL Archwires
• Clinical Applications
• References

NiTiNOL
 45

CLASSIFICATION OF ORTHODONTIC
ARCHWIRES
• Given by Evans and Durning, based on chronology.

Phase I- Non NiTi alloys such as SS and Gold alloys: 1990-1960s

Phase II- Stabilized martensitic alloy (original NiTiNOL): 1970s

Phase III- Superelastic active austenitic alloy (Chinese and Japanese alloy): 1980s

Phase IV- Thermodynamic active martensitic alloy (CuNiTi 40ºC): Early 1990s

Phase V: Graded thermodynamic alloys (BioForce): Late 1990s

NiTiNOL
 46

CLASSIFICATION OF NITI COMPOUNDS

•  I. Based on Transformation Temperature Ranges (Waters,1992)

Group 1: Active Martensite

TTRs between room temp and body temp

Group 2: Austenite active

TTR below room temp

Group 3: TTR close to body temperature

Shape memory effect. Spring back to original shape when
activated by body heat
NiTiNOL
 47

CLASSIFICATION OF NITI
COMPOUNDS
• Kusy, 1991

1. Martensitic stabilized alloys – Example conventional NiTiNOL

2. Martensitic active alloys (Thermoelastic) - Shape memory wire alloys such

as Neo Sentalloy and Copper Ni-Ti

3. Austenitic active alloys (pseudoelastic) – Example NitiNOL SE.

NiTiNOL
 48

CONVENTIONAL NITINOL

Stabilized Martensitic form. Original alloy - 55% Nickel, 45% Titanium ratio of
elements

• Available as 

Nitinol classic Unitek corporation.

Titanal Lancer pacific.

Orthonol Rocky mountain orthodontics

NiTiNOL
 49

PSEUDOELASTIC NITINOL
• Introduced in late 1980s.

• Exhibited Superelasticity.

• Referred to as A-NiTi

•  Includes :
Chinese NiTi
Japanese NiTi (Sentinol)
27°C superelastic CuNiTi.
NiTiNOL
 50

CHINESE NITI
• Developed by Dr. Tien Hua Cheng in 1978 and was reported by
Burstone in 1985.

• Temperature dependent effects are clinically insignificant.

• Spring back property:

At 80° of activation,
1.4 times the springback of NiTiNOL wire.
4.6 times the springback of SS wire.

NiTiNOL
 51

CHINESE NITI
• High range of action of spring back is applicable when large deflections for
uprighting, labial and lingual movements are needed.

• Stiffness of Chinese NiTi is 36% that of Nitinol wire and 73% of stainless
stell wire. (Low)

• Deformation  is  not  particularly  time  dependent.

• Constant force application.

NiTiNOL
 52

JAPANESE NITI 
• Developed in 1978 by Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. of Japan.

• Excellent spring back, shape memory and super elasticity.

• Provides light continuous force.

•  Optimization of the superelastic properties of the alloy.

• Marketed as Sentalloy

NiTiNOL
 53

JAPANESE NITI 
• Possible to modify the amount of orthodontic force in an individualized segment of archwire
by application of controlled heat with adequate temperature and time.

• Relationship between the temperature and time of heat treatment optimizes the superelastic
properties of the alloy.

• It delivers a relatively constant force for a long period of time.

NiTiNOL
 54

COPPER NITI 
• Invented by Dr. Rohit Sachdeva & Suchio Miyazaki.

• Copper (5 – 6%) & Chromium (0.2 –0.5%).

• Copper increases strength, reduces hysteresis.

• Chromium compensates for copper.

NiTiNOL
 55

COPPER NITI 
• Martensitic phase at room temperature, it is possible to introduce relatively sharp bend on the
wire. The original arch form will be regained simply by heating the wire.

• Force extended on the dentoalveolar structure are remarkably low and thus, is recommended
for patients with periodontal problems.

• Disadvantage is the low stiffness of wire.

NiTiNOL
 56

TYPES OF CU-NITI

1. Type I - Af temperature 15°C

Not used for clinical applications due to its high force level.

2. Type II - Af temperature 27°C

Heavier forces than type III, IV wires.
Best used in patients with average or high pain threshold.
For patients with healthy periodontium.
Rapid tooth movement is required. 

NiTiNOL
 57

TYPES OF CU-NITI
3. Type III - Af temperature 35°C
Mid range of forces
Used in patients with low to normal pain threshold.
Can be used in periodontally compromised patients.

4. Type IV - Af temperature 40°C

Optimal forces when mouth temperature exceeds 40 degree C.
Best used in patients who are sensitive to pain and periodontally
compromised patients where tooth movement is deliberately slowed down.
Beneficial as an initial rectangular wire

NiTiNOL
 58

ACTIVE MARTENSITE
THERMODYNAMIC WIRE
• CuNiTi Type II, III and VII. Also, Sentalloya and NeoSentalloy.

• Produced by narrowing the TTR and the alloys exhibited heat-induced

shape memory effect and thermoelasticity in contrast to
pseudoelasticity characteristics of NiTi.

The Austenitic finish temperature of thermodynamic active martensitic

wire is above room temperature and thus they turn rigid inside mouth.

NiTiNOL
 59

ACTIVE MARTENSITE
THERMODYNAMIC WIRE
• Combines greater heat sensitivity, high shape memory, and extremely low
constant forces.

• Delivers 25-30% of the active austenite archwires at same temperatures.

• Exceptionally low forces for patients with compromised periodontal support.

• Dynamic loading by the arch wires.

NiTiNOL
 60

ACTIVE MARTENSITE
THERMODYNAMIC WIRE
DISADVANTAGES

- Expensive

- Very sensitive to manufacturing process

- Mouth breathers have a lower intraoral temperature and may not benefit from these.

NiTiNOL
 61

THERMOELASTIC NITINOL
• CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL THERMOELASTICIC NITINOL
WIRE:

1. Dead soft at room temperature so that it can be tied easily.

2. Instantaneously activated by heat of mouth.

3. Able to apply clinically acceptable orthodontic forces.

4.  Would not be affected further by increased heat.

5.  A fairly narrow TTR.

NiTiNOL
 62

GRADED THERMODYNAMIC NITI

• Developed around the concept that lower forces are needed to efficiently move anterior teeth
that posterior teeth.

• Claims to deliver progressively heavier forces from anterior to posterior sections of the arch
wire of uniform dimension.

• Developed with Direct Electric Resistance Heat Treatment (DERHT).

• Same arch wire has different TTR and different levels of forces are applied.

NiTiNOL
 63

GRADED THERMODYNAMIC NITI

• Controlled annealing as excessive heat treatment can obliterate the superelastic properties.

• Marketed as BioForce (GAC), Titanol Triple Force (Forestadent), Tri-Force Thermal (ortho
Organizers) and Titanium Memory wire (AO).

NiTiNOL
 64

GRADED THERMODYNAMIC NITI

• BioForce Archwires were the first to become available.
Claims to have 80gm force at incisors, 180 gms at premolar level and 280 gms at molars
in a three point bending test at body temperature.

• BioForce arch wires with IonGuard finish: Developed by Ionization implant process. Have
less friction than non coated wires with no effects on its superelastic properties.

NiTiNOL
 65

NITINOL TOTAL CONTROL

• TODD A. THAYER, KARL FOX,ERIC MEYER ( JCO1999) developed a
new pseudo-superelastic alloy.

• Accepts specific 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-order bends while maintaining its
desirable superelastic properties.

• Combines the ability of superelasticity with the bendability required to

account for variations in tooth morphology, arch form, and bracket
prescriptions.

NiTiNOL
 66

NITINOL TOTAL CONTROL

• Force levels are within accepted ranges.

• Should not be used for space closure.

• Reduces archwire inventory.

• Lower forces are generally associated with less patient discomfort.

NiTiNOL
 67

SUPERCABLE
• Developed by Hanson. Combined the mechanical advantage of multistranded cables with
mechanical advantage of superelastic wires to create a super elastic NiTi coaxial wire.

• 7 individual strand woven together to maximize flexibility and minimize force delivery.

• Flexible and easy to engage regardless of crowding.

• Light continuous force system

NiTiNOL
 68

SUPERCABLE
• Elimination of archwire bending.

• More efficient and effective control of rotations, tipping and leveling mechanics with 0.018”
archwire at the beginning of treatment.

• Minimal patient discomfort.

NiTiNOL
 69

ESTHETIC NITINOL ARCHWIRES

• Teflon coated wires with NiTiNOL wires as parent wire which has been surface treated to
improve the adhesion of coating.

• Low friction between Teflon coating and the brackets, which enhances sliding mechanics.

• The size of the parent wire for a given slot size is made less to accommodate for the
thickness of the coating.

NiTiNOL
 70

ESTHETIC NITINOL ARCHWIRES

NiTiNOL
 71

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF NITI

WIRES
• Levelling and Aligning: wires are more difficult to deform during handling
and seating into bracket slots is easier than SS archwires.

Reduces loops formerly needed to level dentition.

Can be used for longer periods of time without changing.

• Bite opening using reverse curve of spee.

NiTiNOL
 72

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF NITI

WIRES
• Torque can be controlled early in treatment because successive arch wires
fit with precision.

• Rectangular Nitinol inserted early in treatment phase accomplishes

simultaneous leveling, torquing and correction of rotations.

• Turbo wire is a nine stranded rectangular braided NiTi, with low stiffness
and great flexibility. Turbo wire is recommended as an intial wire to unravel
and level while controlling torque and engaging brackets fully.

NiTiNOL
 73

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF NITI

WIRES
• Turbo wires are also effective as a finishing wire, retaining torque but allowing vertical
elastic use.

• NiTi wires facilitate and simplify Beggs, because unravelling and leveling to attain good
tooth alignment occurs faster than with SS looped archwires and treatment time is
diminished.

• Patent response is good and less discomfort is reported.

NiTiNOL
 74

REFERENCES
• Orthodontic Materials – William. A . Brantley

• Science of Dental Materials- Anusavice, Shen and Rawls

NiTiNOL
 75

NiTiNOL