RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare 2 reciprocating nickel-titanium systems with different manufacturing characteristics and to evaluate the influence of simulated clinical use on their torsional resistance. METHODS: New 25/.08 WaveOne Primary (WO; Dentsply Sirona, York, PA) and 25/.07 WaveOne Gold Primary (Dentsply Sirona) files were used in this study. The diameter and cross-sectional area at 3 mm from the tip were measured using image analyses. The alloy microstructure was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and the phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry analyses. Forty files were divided into 4 groups: control group 1 and control group 2, which were submitted to torsion tests until rupture, and experimental group 1 and experimental group 2, in which instruments were used to shape 2 mesial canals of an extracted mandibular molar and then submitted to torsion tests until rupture. RESULTS: WO had higher values of diameter and area at 3 mm from the tip. X-ray diffraction analysis presented R-phase and austenite for both systems. Austenite finish temperatures, determined by differential scanning calorimetry, were above room temperature. WO showed higher values of torque until rupture, and WaveOne Gold showed higher values of angular deflexion (P > .05). No differences were found between the same type of instrument in the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: The higher torsional resistance of WO can be attributed to geometric characteristics. The use in 1 tooth with curved canals is safe and does not affect the torsional resistance of the instruments analyzed.