Comparison of Initial Alignment Efficiency and Pain Perception of Three Copper-Nickel-Titanium Archwires of Different Manufacturers in Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Laboratory studies have demonstrated that copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) archwires from different manufacturers differ in their mechanical properties due to variations in their composition. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment in mandibular arch were randomly divided into three groups (Group O = 0.014″ Copper NiTi preformed archwires, ORMCO, Group 3M = 0.014″ SmartClip NiTinol Heat-activated 3M Unitek, Group AO = 0.014″ Tanzo Copper Nickel Titanium archwire, American Orthodontics). During the pre-alignment phase (T0) as well as at each subsequent phase of alignment every 3 weeks at T3, T6, T9, and T12, a mandibular alginate impression was taken. A modified version of Little's irregularity index was used to estimate the teeth's alignment in millimeters from the resulting cast. The modified McGill pain questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess pain during the patient's visit at T3. Results: The modified Little's irregularity index showed significant differences among the three groups at T3 ( Conclusions: In terms of alignment efficiency, Copper NiTi preformed archwires, ORMCO performed better than the CuNiTi archwires from the other two manufacturers, while the three types of CuNiTi had similar levels of initial pain perception.