The NiTi superelastic alloy application to the dentistry field.

The main properties of NiTi alloys are presented, discussed and compared with respect to those of stainless steels. Special regard is given to the use of NiTi alloy as orthodontic wires and endodontic instruments. The superelastic properties of orthodontic wires and endodontic files are measured as a function of the applied stress, of the strain and of the temperature. Both biomedical devices are submitted to surface analysis to control the interface with the biological environment in which they will be immersed.