Effect of fluoride prophylactic agents on the surface topography of NiTi and CuNiTi wires.

AIM The aim of this study was to see the effect of topical fluoride on surface texture on nickel-titanium and copper-nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preformed rectangular NiTi and CuNiTi wires were immersed in in fluoride solution and artificial saliva (control) for 90 minutes at 37°C. after immersion optical microscope was used to see the fluoride effect on the wire topography. RESULTS The acidulated fluoride agents appeared to cause greater corrosive effects as compared to the neutral fluoride agents. CONCLUSION The result suggest that using topical fluoride agents leads to corrosion of surface topography indirectly affecting the mechanical properties of the wire that will lead to prolonged orthodontic treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The use of topical fluoride agents has to be limited in patients with prolonged orthodontic treatment as it causes the corrosion of the NiTi and CuNiTi wires.