Evaluation of the Fit of Preformed Nickel Titanium Arch Wires on Saudi Subjects with Normal Occlusion Dental Arches

MastersThis computer‐assisted study aimed to evaluate the fit of a variety of commercially available preformed nickel titanium orthodontic arch wires on the dental arches of Saudi male and female subjects presenting with normal occlusion. The objectives were to measure the differences between the tested wires and the dental arches in terms of mean absolute error and to use these measurements to compare between the wires and find the ones that fit the sample best. The materials studied included 40 sets of upper and lower plaster models (20 males and 20 females) Saudi subjects presen ng with Class I normal occlusion and eighteen pairs of upper and lower preformed nickel titanium orthodontic arch wires. The models and wires were digitally imaged and introduced to the computer. Using the MATLAB® environment, multiple programs were written specifically for the purpose image digitization, numerical manipula on and data analysis. The differences between 14 points represen ng the teeth and corresponding points on the wires were measured and the mean absolute error was calculated. When the results of mean absolute error derived from each tested wire were compared and analyzed it was concluded that 3M Orthoform LA was the best fi ng wire for the mixed (combined female and male cases) as well as the female sample groups, and that Ormco’s Orthos arch large was the best fitting wire for the male sample group