XP-Endo Finisher behaviour and irrigant temperature in intracanal environment: Clinical measurements.

AIM: To evaluate the behaviour of the XP-Endo Finisher and the variation in the intracanal temperature of the irrigant at rest and when activated over time. METHODOLOGY: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) determined the transformation temperatures of XP-Endo Finisher instruments. A digital thermocouple was used to measure the temperature of the irrigant inside the pulp chamber. Two measurements were performed for each tooth (n = 12): with the irrigant at rest and during XP-Endo agitation for 60 s to observe the temperature evolution. The data were statistically analysed using a t-test with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: DSC results suggested that the XP-Endo Finisher had a mixed R-phase and austenitic structure at room temperature. The temperature values at predetermined time points (0, 10, 40, 70, 120 and 240 s) were measured, and no statistical difference was observed between the values of the resting and activated solutions at any of the selected points (p > .05). For the protocol performed with the XP-Endo file, the mean irrigant temperature observed at instrument insertion inside the root canal was 28.65°C. After 60 s of agitation, the temperature was 34.02°C. The solution temperature stabilized inside the canal only after 211 s at 35.5°C. The mean maximum irrigation solution temperature recorded inside the canal was 35.5°C without agitation and after XP-endo agitation (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the XP-Endo Finisher system does not promote heating of the irrigation solution, file expansion responsible for improved instrument cleaning starts at a temperature below the expected value.

Avaliação da resistência à deformação plástica dos fios redondos de níquel-titânio / Evaluation of plastic deformation resistance of nickeltitanium round wires

Resumo As ligas de níquel-titânio (NiTi) possuem elasticidade elevada sem sofrer deformações plásticas permanentes, sendo amplamente indicadas nas primeiras fases do tratamento ortodôntico. O Objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a resistência de fios ortodônticos de NiTi termoativados em relação à deformação plástica. Foram avaliados fios de 6 marcas comerciais (GAC®, Morelli®, American Orthodontics®, Infinity®e 3M®). Primeiramente a partir de modelos prototipados foi simulada a relação entre deformação plástica e deflexão pela distância interbráquetes em 4 níveis de força a 37°C por 30 dias. Um segundo experimento foi realizado através da análise de fotografias padronizadas com diagramas observando o antes e depois de aplicada uma deformação ao fio a diferentes temperaturas. Os resultados do primeiro teste mostraram que todas as marcas comerciais testadas retornaram a sua forma original após sofrer deflexão por 30 dias. O segundo experimento mostrou que os fios da marca GAC® e American Orthodontics® não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas comparando as medidas do fio antes da deformação, deformado e após aquecimento (fio aquecido). Já os fios das marcas 3M®, Orthometric® e Infinity®, Morelli apresentaram diferenças significantes entre os fios novos e os fios deformados, e entre os fios deformados e os fios aquecidos, porém, não houve diferenças significantes entre os fios novos e aquecidos. Concluiu-se que nenhum fio, em nenhuma magnitude de deflexão aplicada, sofreu deformação plástica (permanente). Assim, todos os fios das marcas comerciais testadas foram considerados satisfatórios para a prática clínica da Ortodontia no que diz respeito à resistência a deformação plástica. (AU)

Abstract Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys have high elasticity without suffering permanent plastic deformations, widely indicated in the early stages of orthodontic treatment. This study aims to evaluate the heat-activated NiTi orthodontic wires' resistance to plastic deformation. The wire from 6 commercial brands (GAC®, Morelli®, American Orthodontics®, Infinity®, and 3M®) was evaluated first from prototype models, simulating the relationship between plastic deformation and deflection by the inter bracket distance at four levels of force at 37° C for 30 days. A second experiment was carried out by analyzing standardized photographs with diagrams observing the before and after deformation was applied to the wire at different temperatures. The first test showed that all tested trademarks returned to their original shape after deflecting for 30 days. The second experiment showed that GAC® and American Orthodontics® wires did not present statistically significant differences comparing the wire measurements before deformed deformation and after heating (heated wire). On the other hand, 3M®, Orthometric® and Infinity®, Morelli wires showed significant differences between new and deformed wires and between twisted and heated wires; however, there were no significant differences between new and heated wires. It was concluded that no wire, at any magnitude of applied deflection, suffered plastic (permanent) deformation. Thus, all wires of the commercial brands tested were considered satisfactory for the clinical practice of Orthodontics in terms of resistance to plastic deformation.(AU)

Comparative analysis of torque and apical force to assess the cutting behaviour of ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal endodontic instruments.

This study assessed the cutting properties of two Nickel Titanium file systems with different designs and manufacturing materials. ProTaper Next X1 and X2 (PTN; Dentsply Sirona) and ProTaper Universal S2 and F1 (PTU; Dentsply Sirona) instruments were employed. The cutting parameters, that is torque and apical forces, were determined using a specially designed bench-testing machine. Dimensional and geometric parameters were considered to evaluate the results. The average maximum torque values showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) among all instruments. Apical force for PTN X2 and PTU F1 instruments initially decreased and then experienced a rapid increase in the last 2 mm of the canal. For PTN X1 and PTU S2, apical force increased during the entire test. When compared to PTU files, PTN required higher torque and apical forces during the shaping procedure. The results lead us to conclude that PTN instruments demonstrated a lower cutting efficiency than PTU.

Cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of NiTi Controlled Memory and Blue Technology instruments after torsional preloading.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of torsional preloading on the cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of thermally treated NiTi instruments. Material and Methods Ten new instruments New Hyflex CM (HF 30.06; Coltene/Whaladent Inc.), Typhoon CM (TYP 30.06; Clinician's Choice Dental Products) and Vortex Blue (VB 30.06; Dentsply Tulsa Dental) were chosen, based on geometry and specific characteristics of the manufacturing process. The new instruments of each system were tested in a bench device to determine their fatigue resistance through mean value of number of cycles to failure (Nf) (Control Group - CG). Another group of 10 new HF, TYP and VB instruments were submitted to 20 cycles of torsional straining between 0° and 180° (Experimental Group - EG) and then submitted to fatigue until rupture under the same conditions of the CG. Tested instruments were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's test (α=.05). Results Higher fatigue resistance was accomplished by HF instruments, followed by VB and TYP (p<0.05). During the torsional preloading, the lowest mean torque value was observed for TYP instruments (p<0.05). The torsional preload caused a significant reduction in the Nf values (p<0.05) of about 20%, 39% and 45% for instruments HF, VB and TYP, respectively. Longitudinal cracks, generated during the torsional preloading, were present in VB files, but were not observed in the CM instruments (HF and TYP). Conclusions In conclusion, the flexural fatigue resistance of thermally treated instruments is diminished after cyclic torsional loading.

Evaluating the cutting efficiency of NiTi instruments with reciprocating motions / Avaliação da eficiência de corte de instrumentos NiTi com movimento reciprocante

Aim:This study tested a setup for in vitro experimental analysis of axial forces and torque during the preparation of artificial canals using nickel-titanium reciprocating endodontic files.Methods: The cutting efficiency of Reciproc (RC) and WaveOne (WO) reciprocating size 25/.08 instruments (n = 10) was evaluated, taking into account their dimensional and geometrical features. Measurements of the diameter at each millimeter from the tip, pitch length, helical angle, and cross-sectional design and area were assessed. Cutting efficiency tests were carried out on a specific bench device by measuring the torque and axial force required during artificial canal shaping. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results:The WO samples showed larger A3 mean values than did the RC instruments (p < 0.0001), despite having equal diameters at 3mm from the tip (D3) (p = 0.521). The mean values of pitch length were higher for RC than for WO instruments (p< 0.0001), with consequently smaller helical angles (p < 0.0001). For the cutting efficiency tests, the required torque was lower for the RC group when compared to the WO group, but it was significant only in the first stage of insertion in the artificial canals (p = 0.008). Regarding the apical force, the RC instruments reached higher values when compared to the WO instruments (p = 0.04) in the second stage of cutting action. Conclusion: Reciproc instruments demonstrated statistically higher cutting efficiency when compared to WaveOne instruments.

Objetivo: Este estudo testa uma configuração para análise experimental in vitro de forças axiais e torque durante o preparo de canais artificiais usando instrumentos endodônticos reciprocantes de níquel-titânio. Métodos: Foi avaliada a eficiência de corte dos instrumentos reciprocantes tamanho 25 / 0,08 (n = 10) Reciproc (RC) e WaveOne (WO), levando em consideração suas características dimensionais e geométricas. Medidas do diâmetro a cada milímetro a partir da ponta, comprimento de pitch, ângulo helicoidal e desenho da área transversal e área foram avaliados. Testes de eficiência de corte foram realizados em um dispositivo de bancada específico, medindo-se o torque e a força axial exigidos durante a modelagem de canais artificiais. A análise estatística foi feita com ANOVA one-way (α = 0,05). Resultados: As amostras de WO mostraram valores médios A3 maiores do que os instrumentos RC (p <0,0001), apesar de terem diâmetros iguais a 3 mm da ponta (D3) (p = 0,521). Os valores médios do comprimento do pitch foram maiores para o RC do que para os instrumentos do WO (p < 0,0001), com consequentemente menores ângulos helicoidais (p < 0,0001). Para os testes de eficiência de corte, o torque necessário foi menor para o grupo RC em comparação com o grupo WO, mas significativo apenas no primeiro estágio de inserção nos canais artificiais (p = 0,008). Em relação à força apical, os instrumentos RC alcançaram valores maiores em relação aos instrumentos WO (p = 0,04) no segundo estágio de corte. Conclusão: Os instrumentos Reciproc demonstraram uma eficiência de corte estatisticamente superior em comparação com os instrumentos WaveOne.

Cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of NiTi Controlled Memory and Blue Technology instruments after torsional preloading

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of torsional preloading on the cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of thermally treated NiTi instruments. Material and Methods Ten new instruments New Hyflex CM (HF 30.06; Coltene/Whaladent Inc.), Typhoon CM (TYP 30.06; Clinician's Choice Dental Products) and Vortex Blue (VB 30.06; Dentsply Tulsa Dental) were chosen, based on geometry and specific characteristics of the manufacturing process. The new instruments of each system were tested in a bench device to determine their fatigue resistance through mean value of number of cycles to failure (Nf) (Control Group - CG). Another group of 10 new HF, TYP and VB instruments were submitted to 20 cycles of torsional straining between 0° and 180° (Experimental Group - EG) and then submitted to fatigue until rupture under the same conditions of the CG. Tested instruments were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's test (α=.05). Results Higher fatigue resistance was accomplished by HF instruments, followed by VB and TYP (p<0.05). During the torsional preloading, the lowest mean torque value was observed for TYP instruments (p<0.05). The torsional preload caused a significant reduction in the Nf values (p<0.05) of about 20%, 39% and 45% for instruments HF, VB and TYP, respectively. Longitudinal cracks, generated during the torsional preloading, were present in VB files, but were not observed in the CM instruments (HF and TYP). Conclusions In conclusion, the flexural fatigue resistance of thermally treated instruments is diminished after cyclic torsional loading.

Influence of Cyclic Flexural Deformation on the Torsional Resistance of Controlled Memory and Conventional Nickel-titanium Instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cyclic deformation on the torsional resistance of controlled memory (CM) nickel-titanium files in comparison with superelastic (SE) instruments with similar geometric and dimensional characteristics. METHODS: New 30/.06 HyFlex (HF; Coltene/Whaledent, Inc, Cuyahoga Falls, OH), Typhoon (Clinician's Choice Dental Products, New Milford, CT), RaCe (FKG, La-Chaux De Fonds, Switzerland), and ProTaper Universal F2 instruments (F2; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were assessed. The diameter and pitch length were measured along the active part of the instruments. The number of cycles to failure (Nf) in flexural fatigue and the torsional resistance were evaluated for new files (n = 10). Ten new instruments of each type were fatigued to 3/4 of their fatigue life and then submitted to torsion until rupture. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance (α = .05). RESULTS: New CM files had a significantly higher Nf when compared with SE instruments; HF exhibited the highest value (P = .001). The mean torque value for F2 was the highest (P = .001). CM files precycled to 3/4 Nf had a significantly lower torque than the new files (HF: P = .003, Typhoon: P = .001), whereas the SE instruments displayed no significant differences (F2: P = .059, RaCe: P = .079). CONCLUSIONS: Cyclic flexural loading significantly reduced the torsional resistance of CM instruments.

Effects of R-Phase on Mechanical Responses of a Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instrument: Structural Characterization and Finite Element Analysis.

The effects of the presence of the R-phase in a near-equiatomic NiTi alloy on the mechanical responses of an endodontic instrument were studied by using finite element analysis. The input data for the constitutive model in the simulation were obtained by tensile testing of three NiTi wires: superelastic austenite NiTi, austenite + R-phase NiTi, and fully R-phased NiTi. The wires were also characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. A commercially available endodontic instrument was scanned using microcomputed tomography, and the resulting images were used to build the geometrical model. The numerical analyses were performed in ABAQUS using load and boundary conditions based on the ISO 3630-1 specification for the bending and torsion of endodontic instruments. The modeled instrument containing only R-phase demanded the lowest moment to be bent, followed by the one with mixed austenite + R-phase. The superelastic instrument, containing essentially austenite, required the highest bending moment. During bending, the fully R-phased instrument reached the lowest stress values; however, it also experienced the highest angular deflection when subjected to torsion. In summary, this simulation showed that NiTi endodontic instruments containing only R-phase in their microstructure would show higher flexibility without compromising their performance under torsion.