EFFECT OF REMINERALIZING AGENTS ON THE FLEXURAL MODULUS OF ELASTICITY OF NICKEL TITANIUM AND COPPER NICKEL TITANIUM WIRES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry Ain Shams University

2 Lecturer of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry Ain Shams University

3 Postgraduate student Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry Ain Shams University

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride “APF” and casein phosphoprotein amorphous calcium phosphate “MI paste” on the flexural modulus of two super elastic orthodontic wires.
Material and Methods: Preformed round and rectangular NiTi and Cu NiTi were immersed in either APF, MI paste or artificial saliva (control) for 4 minutes. The wires were then subjected to a 3-point bend test in accordance with the American National Standard/American Dental Association Specification No. 32 (2006)
Results: NiTi wires were significantly affected by the prophylactic agents’ application with a more substantial effect for those treated with APF. The effects were less in magnitude however still significant for the tested Cu NiTi wires.
Conclusion: Mechanical properties of NiTi wires are significantly affected by the application of remineralizing agents. Clinically it would preferable to use Cu Niti wires if it is predicted that the patient will need a prophylactic agent.