Dentistry Commons^™

Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of Nickel-Free And Nickel-Containing Stainless Steel Orthodontic Wires, Amanda Olejniczak

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: In orthodontics, contact dermatitis caused by nickel allergy should be of concern with the number of nickel-containing appliances and wires used. Stainless steel archwires are commonly used throughout orthodontic treatment. With the release of nickel from these wires, some manufacturers have turned to nickel-free stainless steel alternatives. The goal of this research was to compare nickel-free stainless steel with traditional stainless steel archwires with regard to mechanical properties and microstructure. Materials and Methods: Nickel-free stainless steel and regular stainless steel archwires from four companies were included. Five random samples of each wire, vertically mounted in fast-set acrylic, were indented …