Why Is Nitinol Used In Braces?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Nitinol is used for the wiring and brackets that connect teeth. It’s the perfect choice for braces because the

alloy is able to bend and shape itself to the requirements of the patient’s tooth formation

. In endodontics, Nitinol is used during root canals, specifically for cleaning and helping to shape the root canal.

What type of wire is used for braces?

There are three main types of wires for braces:

copper nickel-titanium, titanium-niobium, and stainless steel

. No matter which type we use, each is engineered to the most exacting standards for performance and comfort.

Why can nitinol wire be used for dental braces?

To use nitinol for your arch wire,

your orthodontist will mold the wire to the current shape of your teeth

. After the wire is placed in your mouth, it will begin to heat up. As it heats up, the wire will try to reform into a straighter shape.

What is Nitinol mainly used for?

Medical applications for nitinol include:

Dentistry

, especially in orthodontics for wires and brackets that connect the teeth. “Sure Smile” dental braces are an example of its application in orthodontics. Endodontics, mainly during root canals for cleaning and shaping root canals.

What does a thicker wire do for braces?

Stage two is when your braces start

to fix the gaps between your teeth

. Because this requires more force, your wire will start to become thicker. This will keep your teeth upright and straight so they don’t move backwards or into any other awkward position.

How expensive is nitinol?

The device comes in several sizes and costs

between $15 and $40

. This week the company announced the latest version of the device, which will allow the flow of hot water to resume automatically as the water from the shower head starts to cool. Orthodontists are now using nitinol on the wires and springs in braces.

Who invented nitinol?


William Buehler and Frederick Wang

first discovered the shape memory effect in a nickel-based titanium alloy (Nitinol) with pseudoelastic and superelasticity properties [6, 7] .

Do braces move your teeth everyday?

The short answer to the question of whether braces move your teeth everyday is

yes

. Nevertheless, due to the speed of teeth shifting, braces must be worn for significant and often, unfavorable lengths of time.

Do teeth become weak after braces?

All braces do is help push them into their desired places and hold them there so that they stabilize. The true risk for weakened teeth is

damage from severe root infections or gum disease

that destroys the jaw bone, and this is less likely to happen once orthodontic treatment improves your bite and closes tooth gaps.

What color is best for braces?

  • Choose gold, dark blue, pink, orange, turquoise, green, or violet to complement darker skin tones.
  • Choose light blue, bronze, dark purple or subdued reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones.
  • Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter.

Is Nitinol stronger than titanium?

Compared with the titanium nail, the Nitinol nail developed a lower contact force between the nail and canal; consequently the Nitinol nail’s

ultimate force was also lower

. … The stainless steel nail provided higher structural stiffness than did the titanium nail in Kaiser’s study [30].

Is Nitinol stronger than steel?

In most cases, the nitinol is substituted to take advantage of its unique superelasticity or shape memory capabilities. ** The modulus of

nitinol is highly non-linear

, and it is not nearly as stiff as stainless steel.

Why is Nitinol difficult?

Challenges. It is difficult to make Nitinol due

to the exceptionally tight compositional control required and the high reactivity of titanium

. Every atom of titanium that combines with oxygen or carbon, is an atom taken from the Nitinol lattice, thus shifting the transformation temperature lower.

What are the final stages of braces?

The third and final phase of orthodontic treatment is

the retention phase

. This phase occurs once the teeth have moved into the desired position and the use of the dental appliance ceases.

What does wire do in braces?

This is the long, thin piece of wire that connects your brackets. It’s made from metal, and is designed

to help to pull your teeth in towards one another

, promoting correct alignment.

What is the final wire for braces?

The final wire is

the largest, stiffest, and has the ability to be bent

. This wire allows for fine detailing through minor wire bends.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.