Evaluation of the Loading, Unloading, and Permanent Deformation of Newly Available Epoxy Resin Coated Ni-Ti Wires Using Self-Ligating Brackets

AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate the load and unload deflection and permanent deformation of round 0.016'' and rectangular 0.016'' × 0.022'' regular and coated Ni-Ti wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ni-Ti archwires produced by two manufacturers were evaluated. Both regular and coated round and rectangular Ni-Ti wire segments (n = 15) from each group were submitted to a three-point bending test. Both types of wires were evaluated for permanent deformation at the end of a recovery cycle. RESULTS The coated round 0.016'' Ni-Ti wires produced a significantly lower force in loading (p < 0.01) and unloading (p < 0.01) than regular wires of the same manufacturer and size. There was no significant difference in permanent deformation between coated and regular round Ni-Ti wires from the same company. For rectangular 0.016 × 0.022'' Ni-Ti wires, there was a significant difference in the loading evaluation, but the unloading test presented no significant differences. The permanent deformation of the rectangular wires revealed no significant difference between them. CONCLUSION The addition of an esthetic coating to these new Ni-Ti wires produced changes in their mechanical properties, manifested as a reduction in the applied force, which should be considered in clinical management.