Mechanical properties of beta-titanium wires

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the force-deflection behavior of six beta-titanium wires using a three-point bending test. Materials and Methods: The wires timolium (TIM), titanium molybdenum (ORG), beta titanium (BETA), resolve (RES), titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), and TMA low friction (TMAL) were adapted into two stainless steel brackets, with no angulation or torque. Both brackets were bonded to an acrylic jig with a 10-mm interbracket distance. A testing machine (Instron) applied deflections of 0.2 to 2.0 mm. Force-deflection diagrams were determined from a passive position to an activation of 2 mm and then during deactivation. Forces of activation and deactivation at a deflection of 1 mm were compared by analysis of variance. Results: Results demonstrated that significant differences (P < .05) in force were observed among wires. During activation, forces for the wires were ranked from lowest to highest as TMAL = TMA = RES<ORG = BETA<TIM. During deactivation, forces for the wires were ranked from lowest to highest as TIM<ORG = BETA<RES =  TMA<TMAL. The wires exhibited similar activation-deactivation diagrams. Conclusion: This study revealed significant differences in force during activation and deactivation among the six types of beta-titanium wires tested.