Nanoindentation of orthodontic archwires: The effect of decontamination and clinical use on hardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness

ObjectivesThe purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of decontamination and clinical exposure on the elastic moduli, hardness and surface roughness of two frequently used orthodontic archwires, namely 0.020 in. × 0.020 in. heat activated (martensitic active) nickel titanium archwires and 0.019 in. × 0.025 in. austenitic stainless steel archwires.MethodThis study was a prospective clinical trial in which 20 consecutive patients requiring an archwire change as part of their course of orthodontic fixed appliance therapy, had either a nickel titanium or stainless steel archwire fitted as deemed clinically necessary. The effect of clinical use was determined by comparing distal end cuts of the “as received” archwires before and after decontamination, with the same retrieved archwires following clinical use and decontamination. Hardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness were determined using an atomic force microscope (AFM) coupled with a nanoindenter.ResultsThe results showed that the decontamination regimen and clinical use had no statistically significant effect on the nickel titanium archwires, but did have a statistically significant effect on the steel archwires. Decontamination of the steel wires significantly increased the observed surface hardness (p = 0.01) and reduced the surface roughness (p = 0.02). Clinical use demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the observed elastic modulus (p < 0.001) and a decrease in surface roughness (p = 0.001).SignificanceAt present it is difficult to predict the clinical significance of these statistically significant changes in archwire properties on orthodontic tooth movement.