Date of Award

Spring 2006

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Berzins, David

Second Advisor

Bradley, Gerald T.

Third Advisor

Lobb, William T.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare as-received copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) arch wires to those used in patients by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Also, the thermal/phase properties of 27, 35, and 40°C CuNiTi arch wires were studied to ascertain if their properties match those indicated by the manufacturer. Materials and Methods: Six wires of 27, 35, and 40°C CuNiTi were tested as received, and six each of the 27 and 35°C wires were examined after use in patients for approximately 9 and 7 weeks, respectively. Segments of arch wire were investigated with DSC over the temperature range from -100°C to 150°C at 10°C per minute. Results: There were no significant differences between as-received and clinically used 27 and 35°C wires for all parameters (heating onset, endset and enthalpy; and cooling onset, endset and enthalpy), except the 27°C wires exhibited a significant decrease in the heating enthalpy associated with the martensite to austenite transition after clinical use. The heating endset (austenite finish temperature) of the 27 and 35°C wires were within two degrees of those claimed by the manufacturer, but the 40°C wires were found to be nearer to 36°C than 40°C. Conclusions: Clinical use of CuNiTi wires resulted in few differences when compared to as-received wires analyzed with DSC. Two temperature varieties of CuNiTi are reasonably within the parameters of those identified by the manufacturer.

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