Mechanical properties of a new and improved nickel-titanium alloy for endodontic use: an evaluation of file flexibility.
OBJECTIVE
A new manufacturing method to produce more flexible and resistant NiTi endodontic instruments has been recently developed. The purpose of the study was to determine whether this new manufacturing method produces NiTi instruments (TF) of superior flexibility.


METHODS
Ten .06 size 25 prototype (TF) instruments (Sybron Endo) and ten 06.25 ProFile instruments (Dentsply-Maillefer) were evaluated for stiffness on bending. Test procedures strictly followed ANSI/ADA Specification No.28. Bending moment was measured when the instrument attained a 45 degrees bend. All data obtained were recorded and statistically analyzed using an ANOVA test.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis of data showed that bending moments were significantly greater (P < .05) for ProFile instruments (mean value 59.06 g/cm), compared to the prototype instruments (mean value 35.60 g/cm), thereby confirming the increased flexibility of TF instruments.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of the present study demonstrate the ability of the new manufacturing process to produce more flexible NiTi rotary instruments.
Gambarini
Gianluca
G
Department of Dental Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. ggambarini@tin.it
Gerosa
Roberto
R
De Luca
Massimo
M
Garala
Manish
M
Testarelli
Luca
L
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D008422:Materials Testing; D009532:Nickel; D018583:Pliability; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013674:Technology, Dental; D014025:Titanium
D003722:Dental Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium