Comparison of Properties btween General Purpose Stainless Steel Wire and Commercial Orthodontic Stainless Steel Wire

In Thailand, commercial orthodontic stainless steel wires are imported from overseas and expensive. However, lower cost general purpose stainless steel wires, the same type and number as commercial orthodontic stainless steel wires may be used for orthodontic purposes. Objective: This study aimed to determine the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of general purpose stainless steel wire compared with commercial orthodontic stainless steel wires. Materials and Method: Two commercial orthodontic stainless steel wires (Ormco and Highland) and general purpose stainless steel wire (SUS 304H) were evaluated. The physical and mechanical properties were studied according to ISO 15841:2006 and corrosion resistance was studied according to ISO 10271:2001. Surface characteristics and composition were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe micro analyzer, respectively. Results: The experiment indicated that SUS 304H had the diameter and mechanical properties in the range of orthodontic stainless steel wires. The surface characteristics SUS 304H were similar from observation by SEM magnifications but SUS 304H had lower corrosion resistance due to lower nickel content. The composition confirmed that the three samples wires were genuine type 304. Conclusion: SUS 304H properties are comparable to commercial orthodontic wire properties.