Comparative analysis of reciprocating and flat-side heat-treated rotary single-file systems: Design, metallurgical characteristics, and mechanical performance.

AIM: To compare two flat-side single-file rotary instruments with three single-file reciprocating systems through a multimethod assessment. METHODOLOGY: A total of 290 new NiTi single-file rotary (AF F One Blue 25/0.06 and Platinum V.EU 25/0.06) and reciprocating (One Files Blue R25, Reciproc Blue R25, Reciproc R25) instruments were selected, carefully examined for any major deformations, and evaluated regarding their macroscopic and microscopic design, nickel and titanium elements ratio, phase transformation temperatures, and mechanical performance (time/rotation to fracture, maximum torque, angle of rotation, microhardness, maximum bending, and buckling strengths). One-way anova post hoc Tukey, T-test, and nonparametric Mood's median tests were used for statistical comparisons (α = 5%). RESULTS: Tested instruments had identical blade counts and near-identical helical angles of approximately 24° (rotary instruments) and 151° (reciprocating instruments). The flat-side analysis revealed a few inconsistencies, such as discontinuity segments, different orientations, and gaps in the homogeneity of the bluish colour. Microscopically, flat-side instruments exhibited blade discontinuity and an incomplete S-shaped cross-section. The surface finish was smoother for One Files Blue and more irregular for both rotary instruments. There were distinct phase transformation temperatures amongst all instruments. All heat-treated instruments were in R-phase arrangement, and Reciproc was in R-phase plus austenite at test temperature (20°C). Compared with the reciprocating instruments, both flat-side instruments exhibited lower results in the cyclic fatigue tests using two different clockwise kinematics, maximum torque, angle of rotation, and maximum buckling strength (p < .05). The rotary systems also exhibited low flexibility (p < .05). AF F One Blue had the lowest microhardness, whilst Reciproc had the highest value. CONCLUSION: This multimethod investigation revealed that the flat-side rotary instruments underperformed the reciprocating instruments regarding cyclic fatigue (with two different clockwise kinematics), maximum torque, angle of rotation, maximum buckling strength, and flexibility. Manufacturing inconsistencies were also observed in some of the flat-side instruments, including discontinuity segments, different orientations, and in the homogeneity of their bluish colour given by the heat treatment.

Characterization of the file-specific heat-treated ProTaper Ultimate rotary system.

AIM: To compare design, metallurgy and mechanical performance of the ProTaper (PT) Ultimate system with instruments of similar dimensions from the ProGlider, PT Gold and PT Universal systems. METHODOLOGY: New PT Ultimate instruments (n = 248) were compared with instruments of similar dimensions from ProGlider (n = 31), PT Gold (n = 155) and PT Universal (n = 155) systems regarding their number of spirals, helical angle, blade symmetry, tip geometry, surface finishing, nickel/titanium ratio, phase transformation temperatures and mechanical performance. One-way anova and nonparametric Mood's median tests were used for statistical comparison (α = 5%). RESULTS: All instruments had symmetrical blades without radial lands or flat sides, similar surface finishing and an almost equiatomic nickel/titanium ratio, whilst the number of spirals, helical angles and the tip geometry were different. PT Ultimate instruments showed 3 distinct heat treatments that matched with the colour of their metal wire. Slider and ProGlider instruments had similar R-phase start (Rs) and R-phase finish (Rf) temperatures. SX, F1, F2, F3 and Shaper instruments showed equivalent heat treatments (Rs ~45.6°C and Rf ~28.3°C) that were similar to their PT Gold counterparts (Rs ~47.9°C and Rf ~28.2°C), but completely distinct to the PT Universal ones (Rs ~16.2°C and Rf ~-18.2°C). Amongst the PT Ultimate instruments, the lowest maximum torques were observed in the SX (0.44 N cm), Slider (0.45 N cm) and Shaper (0.60 N cm) instruments, whilst the highest was noted in the FXL (4.90 N cm). PT Ultimate Slider and ProGlider had similar torsional (~0.40 N cm) and bending loads (~145.0 gf) (p = 1.000), whilst the other PT Ultimate instruments showed statistically significantly lower maximum torque, higher angle of rotation and lower bending load (higher flexibility) than their counterparts of the PT Universal and PT Gold systems. CONCLUSIONS: The PT Ultimate system comprises instruments with 3 distinct heat treatments that showed similar phase transformation temperatures to their heat-treated analogues. PT Ultimate instruments presented lower torsional strength and superior flexibility than their counterparts, whilst maximum torque, angle of rotation and bending loads progressively increased with their sizes.

Impact of kinematics on the efficiency and safety of an engine-driven file for glide path preparation in MB2 canals of maxillary molars.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of different kinematics on the efficiency and safety of an engine-driven file for glide path preparation in second mesiobuccal canals (MB2) of maxillary molars. In addition, the torsional resistance of the file was assessed after use. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-six maxillary first and second molars with two canals in the mesiobuccal root were selected and the anatomy of the canals was verified by micro-CT. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n = 9) according to the kinematics used for glide path preparation: continuous rotation (CR), 30°/150° reciprocation (REC 30°/150°), 30°/90° reciprocation (REC 30°/90°), and 90° optimum glide path motion (OGP 90°). The duration of the procedure, number of canals in which the file reached the full working length (RFWL), canal volume before and after the procedure, rate of file fracture, and file torsional strength after use were evaluated. The ANOVA and Tukey tests or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences among the groups were found for procedure duration, success at reaching the FWL, distance from the file to apex, and number of fractured files (P > 0.05). The CR group showed a significant decrease in rotation angle compared with REC 90° and OGP 90° groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in canal volume among the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of kinematics used did not affect the efficiency, success rate, and shaping ability of the file during glide path preparation. CR seems to induce more torsional stress than the other kinematics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The glide path preparation of narrow canals such as the MB2 is difficult and accidents such as file fracture may occur. This study showed that reciprocation with different file angulations can be safer during this challenging stage.

Comparison of five rotary systems regarding design, metallurgy, mechanical performance, and canal preparation-a multimethod research.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the design, metallurgy, mechanical performance, and canal preparation of 5 rotary systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 735 25-mm NiTi instruments (sizes 0.17[0.18]/.02v, 0.20/.04v, 0.20/.07v, 0.25/.08v, 0.30/.09v) from ProTaper Gold, ProTaper Universal, Premium Taper Gold, Go-Taper Flex, and U-File systems were compared regarding overall geometry and surface finishing (stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy), nickel and titanium ratio (energy-dispersive spectroscopy), phase transformation temperatures (differential scanning calorimetry), mechanical performance (torsional and bending tests), and unprepared canal surface (micro-CT). One-way ANOVA and Mood's median tests were used for statistical comparisons with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Stereomicroscopic analysis showed more spirals and high helical angles in the Premium Taper Gold system. All sets of instruments had symmetrical spirals, no radial lands, no major defects, and an almost equiatomic ratio between nickel and titanium elements, while differences were observed in their tips' geometry and surface finishing. At room temperature (20 °C), DSC test revealed martensitic characteristics for ProTaper Gold and Go-Taper Flex, and mixed austenite plus R-phase for the Premium Taper Gold, while ProTaper Universal and U-Files had full austenitic characteristics. Overall, larger instruments had higher torque resistance and bending load values than smaller ones, while a lack of consistency and mixed values were observed in the angle of rotation. The 0.25/.08v and 0.30/.09v instruments of ProTaper Universal and U-File had the highest maximum torques, the lowest angles of rotation, and the highest bending loads than other tested systems (P < .05). No significant difference was noted regarding the untouched root canal walls after preparation with the tested systems (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although differences observed in the overall geometry and phase transformation temperatures have influenced the results of mechanical tests, unprepared canal surface areas were equivalent among systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Root canal preparation systems with similar geometries might present different mechanical behaviors but equivalent shaping ability.

Design, metallurgical features, mechanical performance and canal preparation of six reciprocating instruments.

AIM: To compare six reciprocating instruments regarding their geometric design, metallurgical characteristics, mechanical behaviour and ability to prepare root canals. METHODOLOGY: A total of 246 new 25-mm NiTi instruments (41 per group) from six reciprocating systems (Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, One Files, One Files Blue, Reverso Silver, and WaveOne Gold) were evaluated throughout a multimethod approach regarding their design using stereomicroscopy (number of blades and helix angle) and scanning electron microscopy (blades symmetry, cross section and surface finishing), nickel-titanium composition, phase transformation temperatures, mechanical performance (cyclic fatigue, torsional and bending resistance) and unprepared canal surface area on anatomically matched mandibular molars assessed by micro-CT. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's or Mood's median tests were selected depending on sample distribution with significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: The instruments had similarities regarding their metal composition and unprepared canal area, whilst differences in phase transformation temperatures and geometric design (number of blades, surface finishing and tip geometry) were observed. Overall, no difference was observed regarding the maximum torque values (P > 0.05), whilst One Files (72 s) and One Files Blue (414 s) had the shortest and longest times to fracture, respectively (P < 0.05). Similar angles of rotation were observed in Reciproc (310°), One Files (285°) and Reverso Silver (318°) instruments (P > 0.05), which were significantly lower than Reciproc Blue (492°), One Files Blue (456°) and WaveOne Gold (492°; P < 0.05). Maximum bending load demonstrated that Reciproc Blue (201.3 gf) was significantly more flexible that the other instruments (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although there were similarities in metal composition and percentage of unprepared canal surface, the instruments had differences in the overall geometric design, phase transformation temperatures and in the four mechanical resistance parameters (time to fracture, maximum torque, angle of rotation and maximum bending load).

Comparison of design, metallurgy, mechanical performance and shaping ability of replica-like and counterfeit instruments of the ProTaper Next system.

AIM: To compare the ProTaper Next (PTN) system with a replica-like and a counterfeit system regarding design, metallurgy, mechanical performance and shaping ability. METHODOLOGY: Replica-like (X-File) and counterfeit (PTN-CF) instruments were compared to the PTN system regarding design (microscopy), phase transformation temperatures (differential scanning calorimetry), nickel-titanium ratio (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), cyclic fatigue, torsional resistance, bending strength, and untouched canal areas in extracted mandibular molars (micro-CT). anova, post hoc Tukey's and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used according to normality assessment (Shapiro-Wilk test) with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Overall similarities in design and nickel-titanium (Ni/Ti) ratio were observed amongst instruments with the X-File having a smoother surface finish. PTN and PTN-CF had mixed austenite plus R-phase (R-phase start approximately at 45 ºC and near 30 ºC, respectively), whilst X-File instruments were austenitic (R-phase started at approximately at 17 ºC) at room temperature (20 ºC). PTN-CF had the greatest inconsistency in the phase transformation temperatures. Time to fracture of PTN-CF X2 and X3 was significantly shorter than PTN and X-File instruments (P < 0.05), whilst no difference was noted in maximum torque to fracture amongst the tested systems (P > 0.05). X-Files and PTN-CF had a stress-induced phase change during bending load. Mean unprepared surface areas of root canals were 25.8% (PTN), 31.1% (X-File) and 32.5% (PTN-CF) with no significant difference amongst groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Similarities amongst the systems were noted in the Ni/Ti ratio and maximum torque to fracture, whilst differences were observed in the design, phase transformation temperatures and mechanical behaviour. The ProTaper Next counterfeit instruments could be considered as the less secure system considering its low-cyclic fatigue resistance. Apart from these differences, the unprepared canal surface areas, obtained with the tested systems, were similar.

Optimum glide path motion is safer than continuous rotation of files in glide path preparation.

This study evaluated the resistance to flexural fatigue and torsional strength of files for glide path preparation in continuous rotation or Optimum Glide Path motion (OGP). ScoutRace 15.02 and ProGlider 16.02 files were used in a dynamic testing device during preparation of simulating curved root canals (40-degree curvature and 5 mm radius). For the torsional test, a machine was used to test torsion measured maximum torsional strength (N.cm). Two-way anova and Tukey's multiple comparisons test were used for statistical analysis. Files in OGP motion had a statistically better resistance to flexural fatigue (P < 0.05). ProGlider files took longer time to failure than ScoutRace files only when OGP was used (P < 0.05). The torsional test revealed that OGP produced significantly less torsional stress than rotary motions for both types of glide path files (P < 0.05) In conclusion, OGP motion increased substantially the mechanical safety of endodontic glide path files.

Comparison of the Torsional Resistance of 4 Different Glide Path Instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to compare the torsional strength of the initial files of the Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and novel Rotate systems (VDW, Munich, Germany) with the ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and R-Pilot (VDW) glide path instruments. METHODS: The Mtwo (10/.04), ProGlider (16/.02), R-Pilot (12.5/.04), and Rotate (15/.04) glide path files were compared regarding their torsional strength, which was tested using a specially designed test device (N = 20). The data obtained were statistically analyzed at 5% significance level using 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test. The fragment surfaces and separated instruments were examined with ×50, ×100, and ×1000 magnification under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The R-Pilot group showed the highest torsional strength value among all groups (P < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between the torsional strength values of the Mtwo and ProGlider groups (P > .05). The Rotate group had the lowest torsional strength among all groups (P < .05). The Mtwo group showed the lowest angle of rotation among all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the R-Pilot glide path file exhibited the highest torsional strength in all groups, Rotate showed the highest angle of rotation. Differences in torsional resistance of the instruments may be associated with their manufacturing methods and design features.

Evaluation of Design, Metallurgy, Microhardness, and Mechanical Properties of Glide Path Instruments: A Multimethod Approach.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare the design, metallurgy, microhardness, and mechanical properties of 3 glide path nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments. METHODS: A total of 132 ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Edge Glide Path (EdgeEndo, Johnson City, TN), and R-Pilot instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) (44 per group) were selected. Design was assessed through stereomicroscopy (blades, helical angle, measuring lines, and deformation) and scanning electron microscopy (symmetry, cross section, tip, and surface finishing). NiTi ratios were measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry. Microhardness and mechanical performance (torsion, bending, and buckling resistance tests) were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with the Mood median test with a significance set at 5%. RESULTS: The Edge Glide Path had the lowest number of blades and the R-Pilot the greatest helical angle. All instruments had an almost equiatomic NiTi ratio, while showing different cross sections and tip geometries. The Edge Glide Path had a smoother surface finishing. The R-Pilot showed martensitic characteristics at room temperature, whereas mixed austenite plus R-phase was observed in the other instruments. The R-Pilot had higher results on the microhardness (436.8 hardness Vickers number), maximum torsion (0.9 Ncm), and buckling load (0.7 N) tests (P < .05), whereas the Edge Glide Path had a superior angle of rotation (683.5°) and the ProGlider was more flexible (144.1 gf) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the design of the instruments and the phase transformation temperatures accounted for their mechanical behavior. The R-Pilot showed the highest torque, buckling, and microhardness, whereas the ProGlider instrument was the most flexible.

Mechanical strength of stainless steel and titanium alloy mini-implants with different diameters: an experimental laboratory study.

BACKGROUND: The mechanical strength of mini-implants is a critical factor due to their small diameters. Currently, it is not possible to state whether there is a relevant difference between the mechanical properties of stainless steel (SS-MIs) and titanium alloy mini-implants (TA-MIs). The objective of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the mechanical strength of SS-MIs and TA-MIs, and to analyze, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the SS-MI, and TA-MI threads resistance to morphological damage after insertion. METHODS: A standardized sample of 504 SS-MIs and TA-MIs with diameters ranging from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm was used. Torsional fracture was performed in 154 MIs. Flexural strength of 280 MIs was evaluated at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection. The threads of 70 MIs were morphologically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after their insertion in high-density artificial bone blocks. Comparisons between SS-MIs and TA-MIs were performed with t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of variables on the ranging of MI mechanical strength. RESULTS: SS-MIs had higher fracture torque. The mean difference between the SS-MIs and TA-MIs fracture torque was of 4.09 Ncm. The MI diameter explained 90.3% of the total variation in fracture torque, while only 2.2% was explained by the metallic alloy. The SS-MI group presented a higher deformation force during the 1mm and 2mm-deflection. The mean difference between the flexural strength of SS and TA-MIs at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection was of 18.21 N and 17.55 N, respectively. There was no noticeable morphological damage to the threads of SS-MIs and TA-MIs. CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected. SS-MIs were 13.2% and 20.2% more resistant to torsional fracture and deflection, respectively. The threads of the SS-MIs and TA-MIs were not damaged during the insertion and removal process. Thus, the use of SS-MI can reduce the fracture risk without increasing the MI diameter.

Micrographic study and torsional strength of grade 23 titanium mini-implants recycled for orthodontic purposes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify the fracture resistance of grade 23 Titanium mini-implants recycled for orthodontic purposes and having stayed in the mouth during different periods of time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 hybrid-designed titanium mini-implants, threaded length L=8mm, self-drilling and self-taping were used in 32 patients presenting orthodontic anomalies which required the use of mini-implants. Two types of tests were performed: polarizing optical imagery to assess the surface characteristics of the mini-implants (polarizing optical microscopy) and (mechanical) torsional strength tests, more quantitative, in order to establish the breaking point of the mini-implants during their re-use. RESULTS: For the mini-implants which had been in the mouth for a short period of time, (immediate removal or after two months of use), it must be noted that their surface characteristics revealed no defect at micron scale, the drilling head did not show any alteration, with a breaking point record of about 53Newton/cm2 (N/cm2). In contrast, the mini-implants, which had stayed in the mouth for 12 and 14 months, showed surface alterations especially at the "screw-gingiva" interface and the rupture stress ranges from 42 to 39N/cm2, respectively. DISCUSSION: Our results show that the resistance to fracture of the re-used mini-implants is inversely proportional to the duration of stay in the mouth.

Efeito da sequência de processamento durante a fabricação de instrumentos endodônticos Niti em suas propriedades mecânicas / Effect of the processing sequence during the manufacture of niti endodontic instruments on their mechanical properties

As características geométricas e técnicas de fabricação das limas endodônticas afetam o desempenho clínico e sua resistência à fratura, flexibilidade e outras propriedades. Um parâmetro muito explorado na Endodontia é a utilização de tratamentos térmicos, que promovem um aumento na resistência à fadiga e flexibilidade destes materiais. Neste estudo pretendeu-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes processos de tratamento térmico/usinagem nas propriedades físicas, flexibilidade, resistência torcional e à fadiga flexural dos instrumentos Prodesign Logic (PDL), verificando se a sequência de processamento dos instrumentos levaria a comportamentos mecânicos diferentes. Este sistema é fabricado a partir de um método inovador que envolve a realização do tratamento térmico para obtenção de memória de forma no fio NiTi anteriormente à usinagem. A hipótese nula a ser testada é que o momento de aplicação dos procedimentos de tratamento térmico e usinagem não afetariam as propriedades físicas e mecânicas de instrumentos endodônticos de NiTi. Para grupos de comparação, foram utilizados protótipos de instrumentos com as mesmas características geométricas e dimensionais, sendo um grupo de instrumentos sem tratamento térmico aplicado (SEP) e outro com o tratamento térmico realizado de forma convencional, após a usinagem do instrumento (HTP). Foram realizadas caracterização física e microestrutural com ensaios de calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e testes de difratometria de Raios-X (DRX), além de ensaios mecânicos divididos em testes de torção, dobramento em 45 e resistência à fadiga flexural. Os resultados mostraram que macroscopicamente não houve nenhuma alteração importante nas características dos três grupos de instrumentos, exceto mudanças de cor devido a diferentes sequências de processamento. Os resultados de DSC mostraram que à temperatura ambiente a liga é principalmente austenítica no grupo SEP e que após o tratamento térmico realizado nos grupos PDL e HTP, houve uma mudança nas temperaturas de transformação, com um aumento da temperatura de Af e predominância da liga NiTi em fase R. Os resultados de XDR confirmaram os achados do DSC. As diferenças nos parâmetros medidos entre diferentes tipos de instrumentos nos ensaios de resistência torcional, dobramento a 45º e fadiga flexural foi sempre considerada com um nível de significância de 95%. Os resultados para os ensaios de flexão mostraram que o grupo HTP mostrou-se o mais flexível, com os mais baixos valores de momento de dobramento, seguido por PDL e SEP. Nos resultados dos ensaios de torção foi possível observar que SEP apresentou valores mais altos de torque seguido por PDL e HTP (p<.05). Os ensaios de resistência à fadiga mostraram valores médios de NCF maiores para HTP, seguido por PDL e SEP. Entretanto, um pior comportamento do PDL só seria evidenciado clinicamente se os instrumentos fossem usados um número de vezes maior do que o recomendado pelo fabricante. Pode-se concluir que alterar o processo de fabricação dos instrumentos endodônticos, invertendo-se as etapas de usinagem e tratamento térmico, levou, de fato, a uma mudança no comportamento mecânico de instrumentos Prodesign Logic em relação aos prótótipos.

The geometric characteristics and manufacturing techniques of endodontic instruments affect clinical performance, fracture resistance, flexibility and other properties. A parameter widely explored in Endodontics is the use of heat treatments, which promote an increase in the resistance to fatigue and flexibility of these materials. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different heat treatment / machining processes on the physical properties, flexibility, torsional strength and flexural fatigue of Prodesign Logic (PDL) instruments, verifying whether the processing sequence of the instruments would lead to different mechanical behaviors. This system is manufactured using an innovative method that involves performing thermal treatment to obtain shape memory in the NiTi wire prior to machining. The null hypothesis to be tested is that the moment of application of the heat treatment and machining procedures would not affect the physical and mechanical properties of NiTi endodontic instruments. For comparison groups, instrument prototypes with the same geometric and dimensional characteristics were used, being one group of instruments without thermal treatment applied (SEP) and another with thermal treatment carried out in a conventional manner, after machining the instrument (HTP). Physical and microstructural characterization were performed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) tests, in addition to mechanical tests divided into torsion tests, 45° bending and resistance to flexural fatigue. The results showed that macroscopically there were no major change in the characteristics of the three groups of instruments, except for color changes due to different processing sequences. The DSC results showed that at room temperature the alloy is mainly austenitic in the SEP group and that after the heat treatment carried out in the PDL and HTP groups, there was a change in the transformation temperatures, with an increase in the Af temperature and predominance of the NiTi alloy in phase R. The XRD results confirmed the DSC findings. Differences in the parameters measured between different types of instruments in the tests of torsional resistance, bending at 45º and flexural fatigue were always considered with a significance level of 95%. The results for the flexibility tests showed that the HTP group proved to be the most flexible, with the lowest values, followed by PDL and SEP. In the results of the torsion tests it was possible to observe that SEP presented higher values of torque followed by PDL and HTP (p <.05). Fatigue resistance tests showed higher mean NCF values for HTP, followed by PDL and SEP. However, a worse behavior of the PDL would only be evidenced clinically if the instruments were used several times greater than that recommended by the manufacturer. It can be concluded that changing the manufacturing process of endodontic instruments, inverting the machining and heat treatment steps, led, in fact, to a change in the mechanical behavior of Prodesign Logic instruments in relation to the prototypes.