OBJECTIVE: A systematic review on nickel-titanium wires was performed. The strategy was focused on Entrez-PubMed-OLDMEDLINE, Scopus and BioMed Central from 1963 to 2008. METHODS: Papers in English and French describing the behavior of these wires and laboratorial methods to identify crystalline transformation were considered. A total of 29 papers were selected. RESULTS: Nickel-titanium wires show exceptional features in terms of elasticity and shape memory effects. However, clinical applications request a deeper knowledge of these properties in order to allow the professional to use them in a rational manner. In addition, the necessary information regarding each alloy often does not correspond to the information given by the manufacturer. Many alloys called "superelastic" do not present this effect; they just behave as less stiff alloys, with a larger springback if compared to the stainless steel wires. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory tests are the only means to observe the real behavior of these materials, including temperature transition range (TTR) and applied tensions. However, it is also possible to determine in which TTR these alloys change the crystalline structure

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As alças de retração ortodôntica são comumente empregadas em sistema Edgewise por meio de uma abordagem seccional (ex.: retração de caninos) ou por meio de uma abordagem segmentada (ex.: retração dos dentes anteriores em conjunto). Estas alças podem modular a demanda de ancoragem, dependendo dos objetivos impostos pelo plano de tratamento. Neste trabalho são discutidas as propriedades mecânicas relacionadas ao projeto de alças de retração ortodôntica, o sistema de forças decorrente de sua conformação geométrica e ativação, e os métodos empregados para testá-las. Dentre as técnicas utilizadas na análise de uma alça, o Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF) merece destaque. Embora seja baseado em modelos matemáticos, é uma ferramenta eficaz e não onerosa para a simulação computacional de um protótipo, podendo-se assim avaliá-lo antes de sua construção física. Já os métodos experimentais se aproximam mais da condição real, porém com custo mais elevado. A utilização em diferentes estágios de ambos os métodos é aconselhável para um melhor desenvolvimento e caracterização dos protótipos.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to analyze the force system, moment-force ratios (M/F) and vonMises stresses in an orthodontic delta spring using a 3D fi nite element model. The M/F ratio produced by an orthodontic spring is related to the different types of tooth movement that are likely to occur in the sagittal and occlusal planes. Methods: Analyses were performed using a 3D fi nite element model, and a data acquisition system was used to validate the numerical results. Results: Reactive forces between 0.0 and 2.0 N were observed along the x-axis, while null values were observed along the y-and z-axes. The maximum activation that ensured geometric stability and mechanical stresses below the elastic limit of the material was 10.0 mm. Conclusions:The results indicate that a delta spring can provide (i) uncontrolled tipping for activation of less than 1.0 mm; (ii) controlled counterclockwise tipping for activation between 1.0 and 4.5 mm; (iii) translation for activation between 4.5 and 5.0 mm; and (iv) controlled clockwise tipping in the sagittal plane for activation between 5.0 and 10.0 mm. No tooth movement was observed in the occlusal plane for the M/F ratios observed.