Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Heat-Treated Nickel-Titanium Instruments

Introduction: This study compared the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of new instruments manufactured by heat-treated nickel-titanium wire. Methods and Materials: Ninety-six new instruments from HyFlex CM (HF), Edge File (EF), Pro Design S (PDS/L) and Mtwo (MT) (20/0.06 and 25/0.06) (n=12) systems were evaluated. A stainless steel device was used and time and number of cycles to fracture (NCF) were observed. Fragments were measured and fracture surface was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were applied with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: PDS 20/0.06 and PDL 25/0.06 instruments presented the highest CFR. MT 20/0.06 and MT 25/0.06 showed the lowest CFR (P<0.05). The length of fragments was similar for 25/0.06 instruments and HF presented the highest one for 20/0.06 instruments. SEM analyses showed morphology suggestive of ductile fracture. Conclusion: Heat treatment increased resistance to cyclic fatigue differently for each type of instrument. PDS 20/0.06 and PDL 25/0.06 present higher cyclic fatigue resistance.Keywords: Cyclic Fatigue; Instrumentation; Nickel-Titanium; Rotary Syste