ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of fluoride and an acidic environment on the mechanical properties of NiTi orthodontic wires (NiTiW) in artificial saliva. Design: A prospective laboratory investigation. Setting: Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. Materials and Methods: Commercial, round 0.016-inch NiTiW were immersed in 0% or 0.05% Natrium-Fluoride-containing artificial saliva at a pH of 4 or 6 for one or three days, respectively. NiTiW were examined with a three-point bending test, Vickers' microhardness tests and surface morphology observation (SEM). Results: A pH of 4 increased microhardness and decreased the three-point bending strength significantly (P≤0.05), whereas immersion time and fluoride concentration had no significant influence on the microhardness or on the three-point bending strength (P>0.05). When examining the test group NiTiWs after three days of immersion at a pH of 4 the SEM revealed a rough surface morphology, a damaged oxide layer and signs of corrosion. Conclusions: The most influential factor for decreasing the unloading force and increasing the hardness seems to be the pH value, whereas immersion time and NaF addition do not have a major influence.