Introduction:
The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the elastic properties of the load-deflection ratio of orthodontic wires of different lot numbers and the same commercial brand.
Methods:
A total of 40 nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire segments (Morelli OrtodontiaTM - Sorocaba, SP, Brazil), 0.016-in in diameter were used. Groups were sorted according to lot numbers (lots 1, 2, 3 and 4). 28-mm length segments from the straight portion (ends) of archwires were used. Deflection tests were performed in an EMIC universal testing machine with 5-N load cell at 1 mm/minute speed. Force at deactivation was recorded at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mm deflection. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences between group means.
Results:
When comparing the force of groups at the same deflection (3, 2 and 1 mm), during deactivation, no statistical differences were found.
Conclusion:
There are no changes in the elastic properties of different lots of the same commercial brand; thus, the use of different lots of the orthodontic wires used in this research does not compromise the final outcomes of the load-deflection ratio.
Elasticity; Physical properties; Orthodontic wires