Validation of Commonly Used Rectangular Nitinol Arch Wire Dimensions Using Stereomicroscope - An Invitro Study

Abstract

Context/Background: Achieving a satisfactory inclination or torque of the incisors is important for the final esthetic result. Torque expression depends upon a number of factors including the size of the bracket slots and archwires. Use of undersized archwires may directly and adversely affect the three dimensional tooth positioning. Aims & Objectives: Objectives of the present study were to measure the dimensions of Nitinol archwires (0.017x0.025", 0.019x0.025") of three different companies Methods: 10 Nitinol archwires of each 0.017"x0.025", 0.019"x0.025" dimensions from three different companies (Modern Orthodontics, Prime orthodontics and Captain Orthodontics) were taken for the study. Stereomicroscope (Magnus MSZ-Bi) was used for measurement of archwire dimensions (height and width) and calibrated using Image Pro insight Software. Results: The values obtained were compared to the dimensions published by each manufacturer. Comparisons were also made between wires of different manufacturers. The values obtained were subjected to multiple comparisons (Post Hoc Tests) of height and width of archwires. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the archwire measured dimensions were different than stated by the manufacturers. Among the dimensions of three manufacturers, Modern Orthodontics was close to the standard values. The dimensions of Prime Orthodontics and Captain Orthodontics archwires were less than the standard values