Copper NiTi is a quaternary alloy that provides the unique benefit of a low hysteresis, allowing the clinician to easily engage the wire which increases efficiency and provides more comfort for the patient. The addition of copper to traditional nickel titanium enhances thermal reactive properties and consistency of forces. The true temperature-activated formula, the combination of alloys, sophisticated manufacturing and thermal treatment processes provide proven clinical efficiency and patient benefits. Every lot of Ormco’s Copper NiTi wire is manufactured with our proprietary raw material blend and precision processing, which results in wires that deliver the desired and expected forces, every time.
- Manufacturing temperature consistency and precise dimensional consistency means more reliable outcomes
- True heat activation, TTR within +/- 2° C tolerance
- Superior resistance to permanent deformation than NiTi
- Easy to engage, even in the most severe cases
- Available in a variety of archforms
Features & Benefits
The unique performance combination of copper, chromium and nickel titanium alloys offer the orthodontist convenience, safetyand reliable forces, even over extended periods.
Super Elasticity
Copper NiTi wires contain the alloy combination that allows for early engagement, without deformation, while also providing the continuous, gentle unloading forces that have been optimized for alignment.
27°C Super-Elastic Copper NiTi
Generates constant unloading forces that can result in rapid tooth movement. The loading force is less that other super-elastic wires because of the low hysteresis unique to the copper alloy, while the unloading forces are comparable to traditional super-elastic nickel titanium wires.
Easy Engagement
The unique properties of Ormco’s Copper NiTi wire allow the clinician to engage the wire, easily and efficiently, regardless of the level of malocclusion. This facilitates the use of larger wires, earlier in treatment, increasing efficiency, but with forces that remain comfortable for the patient.
35°C Thermo-Active Copper NiTi
Generates mid-range, constant force levels until the wire has fully recovered to its original shape. Ligation is easier with full-size archwires due to lower loading forces. When earlier engagement of full-size wires and sustained unloading forces at body temperature is desired, this is the ideal wire.
Light Forces
Available in three transformation temperatures, the consistency of the manufacturing process result in constant, light forces providing healthy and effective movement, even in the smallest dimension wires.
40°C Thermo-Active Copper NiTi
Generates intermittent, light forces and is useful as an initial wire in patients with a low pain threshold, and where peridontal health may be an issue. Severely malaligned teeth can be engaged with light force. It is an excellent choice for patients scheduled for long intervals between visits.
Fig. A — The green curve represents a higher hysteresis for traditional NiTi on the stress/strain curve. The blue line represents a low hysteresis for Copper NiTi, where unloading forces remain constant and completely return to the original shape.
Fig. B — Represents loading and unloading forces at multiple deflections. The copper colored curve with blue, pink and green lines represents Copper NiTi and shows the low hysteresis, combined with superior recovery and the ability to move teeth further with consistent, light forces. The dotted line represents an average NiTi where higher engagement forces are required. As the wire returns to its original position the amount of force expressed drops below a sufficient force to effectively move teeth.
Fig. C — The standard deviations explain inconsistencies in the TTR range, whereas Copper NiTi wires produce a very narrow variance. The narrow variance means reliability in the expected forces.
By controlling the transformation temperatures in the manufacturing process, the forces are controlled, providing consistent, light movement. Copper NiTi’s narrow manufacturing tolerances mean reliability in the amount of force delivered from batch to batch.
How it Works
When refrigerated the wire becomes very soft, flexible and easy to engage, and as the wire warms to mouth temperature, it provides a constant light force as it returns to its original shape and brings the teeth into alignment.
Treatment Indications:
• Used throughout treatment for a wide variety of archwire
progressions to simplify archwire adjustment while maintaining ideal arch form.
• Used with preadjusted appliances with built-in in/out
relationships.
Final Phase: Slightly expanded nature is designed to
account for natural settling after removal where tendency
toward narrowing occurs.
