• Sirichom Satrawaha D.D.S.
• Vachara Phetcharakupt D.D.S., Dip. in Orthodontics (Bergen), Dip.Th.B.O.

Nickel-titanium alloy wires have suitable properties for orthodontic tooth movement because
they have the light and continuous force delivery or superelasticity. Some wires have shape memory
effect. However, these wires are expensive and have poor formability. Nowadays there are many kinds
of nickel-titanium alloy wires for choosing so it is necessary to understand the mechanical properties
of each wire. The purpose of this article was to review the mechanical properties of each kind of
nickel-titanium alloy wires including their effect on temperature changing providing the basic
knowledge of wire selection.

(CU Dent J. 2005;28:263-72)