A comparative assessment of clinical efficiency between premium heat-activated copper nickel-titanium and superelastic nickel-titanium archwires during initial orthodontic alignment in adolescents: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundTo compare the clinical efficiency of premium heat-activated copper nickel-titanium (Tanzo Cu-NiTi) and NT3 superelastic NiTi during initial orthodontic alignment.Subject and methodsA total of 50 patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 different archwire types (group 1, Tanzo Cu-NiTi; group 2, NT3 superelastic NiTi). Eligibility criteria included Class I or Class II malocclusion, moderate maxillary anterior crowding, and healthy periodontal condition. Impressions of the upper arches were taken before archwire placement (T0) and at every 4 weeks (T1, T2, T3, and T4). For T1 and T2 stages, 0.014-in., and for T3 and T4 stages, 0.018-in. archwires were used. The primary outcome was the alignment efficiency assessed using Little’s irregularity index. The secondary outcomes were arch width and incisor inclination changes. Data were analyzed using independent samples t test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U test. Marginal models were established for the estimation of coefficients.ResultsThe anterior irregularity index reduction was mostly observed between T0 and T2 periods, which were respectively − 7.40 ± 0.50 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, − 8.94, − 5.85) and − 6.80 ± 0.55 mm (p < 0.001; 95% CI, − 8.49, − 5.12) for groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). With both wires, Little’s irregularity index decreased over time, and the difference between the groups was not significant (p = 0.581; estimated effect size, 0.011). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of intercanine and intermolar width and incisor inclination changes.ConclusionThere were no significant between-group differences in alignment efficiency, arch width, and incisor inclination change. There was an increased alignment with 0.014-in. compared with 0.018-in. diameter archwire.

Comparison of the High Cycle Fatigue Behavior of the Orthodontic NiTi Wires: An in Vitro Study

“…The heat treatments were effective in improving the fatigue resistance, especially upon the formation of R-phase. Atik et al [36] studied the clinical efficiency between premium heatactivated Ni-Ti and superelastic nickel-titanium archwires during the initial orthodontic alignment in adolescents. In conformity to their outcomes, there were no significant between-group differences in terms of alignment efficiency, arch width, and incisor inclination change.…”

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Different Types of Orthodontic Brackets and Archwires by Optical Microscopy and X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

“…In the context of self-ligating brackets, passive brackets minimize frictional resistance compared to active brackets, especially when NiTi and beta-titanium archwires are used [45]. Regarding the archwires, there is no difference in the effectiveness of dental alignment between the superelastic NiTi wires and the heat activated Cu-NiTi wires [46]. However, in low-friction mechanics such as self-ligating brackets, thermal archwires are preferred over superelastic ones in the early stages of fixed orthodontic treatment [47].…”

Tooth alignment and pain experience with A-NiTi versus Cu-NiTi: a randomized clinical trial

“…In line with our findings, Aydin et al [ 14 ] Gok et al [ 15 ] and Pandis et al [ 3 ] demonstrated that Cu-NiTi archwire did not have higher efficacy than NiTi archwire for leveling and alignment of the mandibular teeth. Also, Atik et al [ 6 ] compared Tanzo Cu-NiTi and NT3 super-elastic NiTi (SENT) archwires and found no significant difference between them in correction of crowding of the maxillary teeth. Similarly, Nabbat and Yassir [ 16 ] reported equal efficacy of heat-activated NiTi (HANT) archwire and SENT archwire for alignment of the teeth.…”

“…Following the introduction of NiTi archwires to orthodontics, different elements were added to this alloy to confer clinical advantages. Copper (Cu) is added to NiTi alloy to decrease the loading stress, and lead to more effective orthodontic tooth movement by provision of optimal force [ 6 ]. The Cu-NiTi archwire has thermo-elastic properties due to its phase transition depending on temperature [ 7 ].…”