Numeric Comparison of the Static Mechanical Behavior between ProFile GT and ProFile GT Series X Rotary Nickel-Titanium Files

Abstract

Introduction: This article aims to evaluate how different superelastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys determine the static mechanical performance of endodontic files during bending and torsion. Methods: Two NiTi rotary instruments with similar geometries and equal cross sections, Pro File GT (GT) and a GT Series X (GTX), were selected. The latter file is made from M-Wire, a NiTi alloy that, according to its manufacturer, has been thermomechanically processed to have larger flexibility at body temperature. The mechanical response was studied for a series of static bending and torsional loads by using finite element (FE) models. The materials were characterized according to previously published stress-strain curves. Results: For the same load and boundary conditions, the GTX material significantly increased the instrument's performance. For instance, the deflection for a 1N force at the tip of the file was found to be 28.5% larger for the GTX file, whereas the maximum stress decreased 13.2%. Conclusions: Although not fully reflective of the instrument's behavior in a dynamic rotation intracanal system, the static results showed that the GTX file is more flexible and capable of stress relief at the most critical sections than the GT file, suggesting that it has a lower risk of fracture inside the root canals during its clinical use. (J Endod 2011;37:1158-1161)