Phase transitions in coated nickel titanium arch wires: A differential scanning calorimetric and X-ray diffraction analysis

Shape memory and super-elastic properties of orthodontic nickel titanium wires, which are crucial for its clinical performance are dependent on the austenitic–martensitic phase transitions in its metallic microstructure that happen as a result of temperature or stress. The objective of this study was to compare the austenitic–martensitic phase transitions in new, black oxide coated nickel titanium (0·016 inch, Black Diamond, NiTi) arch wires in the ‘as-received’ form, from the manufacturer and ‘retrieved form’ after two months of intraoral use. This was done to analyse whether the new oxide coated nickel titanium wires suffered any significant loss in shape memory and super elasticity properties at the end of two months of intra oral use, findings of which could give valuable inferences prior to its widespread application in clinical practice.