The effect of fluoride exposure on the load-deflection properties of superelastic nickel-titanium-based orthodontic archwires

Background: It has been demonstrated that fluoride prophylactic agents may cause hydrogen absorption in NiTi wires and degrade their mechanical properties. Aims: To investigate the effect of a fluoride mouthwash on load-deflection characteristics of three types of nickel-titanium-based orthodontic archwires. Methods: Twenty maxillary 0.016 inch round specimens from each of the single-strand NiTi (Rematitan multi-strand NiTi (SPEED Supercable) and Copper NiTi (Damon Copper NiTi) wires were selected. The specimens were kept in either 0.2% NaF or artificial saliva solutions at 37 C for 24 hours (N = 10). The wire load-deflection properties were measured by a Zwick testing machine, using a three-point bending test. An un-paired student's Hest, a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey post-hoc test were used to assess statistical significance. Results: Immersion in NaF solution affected the load-deflection properties of NiTi wires. The unloading forces at 0.5 and 1.0 mm deflections were significantly lower in fluoride-treated specimens compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). Unloading forces at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm deflections were not statistically different between fluoride- and saliva-treated specimens (p > 0.051. Conclusions: The results suggested that subjecting NiTi wires to fluoride agents decreased associated unloading forces, especially at lower deflections, and may result in delayed tooth alignment. (Aust Orthod J 2012; 72-79)