Evaluating the effect of clinical usage and autoclave sterilization on the load deflection properties of three different orthodontic wires: Ex-vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoral aging and sterilization on the physical properties of rectangular Nickel-Titanium (NiTi), Beta-Titanium and Cooper NiTi (Cu-NiTi) arch wires. METHODS: Three types of preformed 0.018x0.025 inch wires: super elastic NiTi wire, Beta-Titanium wire and Cu-NiTi wire (20 of each type) were divided into 4 groups: as-received (T0), autoclave (T1), intra oral aging after sterilization (T2) and intra oral aging (T3). Specimens in T2 and T3 groups were used in oral environment of 30 participants for 8 weeks. In the next step a length of 30mm was cut from both ends of each arch wire, and 120 straight specimens were achieved and tested by Instron for evaluating their load deflection properties. Data were analysed by means of One-way ANOVA and Tukey's (honestly significant difference) HSD tests. RESULTS: In NiTi wire, all conditions led to a significant decrease in deactivation mean load compared with control in most deflections (P=0.000). In Cu-NiTi wire, all conditions led also to a significant decrease in deactivation mean load compared with the control (P=0.000). In Beta-Titanium wire, sterilization had no significant effect on the load deflection properties; but significant increase was observed in T2 (in all deflections) and T3 (in 1.8-1mm) compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS: After all conditions, NiTi wire in spite of reduction in stiffness presented a mean load which stayed in category of heavy force. The Cu-NiTi wires saw an improvement in light physiologic force. In contrast, the Beta-Titanium stiffness increased after clinical usage, and the force level remained in the range of heavy force.