Comparison of Torquing Ability of 0.019” × 0.025” Nickel Titanium and Fiber Composite Archwires: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Background Increase in the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment for aesthetics, demand for a more aesthetic orthodontic appliance has become inevitable. Objectives This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate torque expression of 0.019” × 0.025” fiber composite wire and 0.019” × 0.025” NiTi wire in a similar prescription bracket systems (MBT, 0.022” slot) using CBCT. Methods Twenty arches each (ten maxillary and ten mandibular), of 15 - 25 year old patients, were bonded with metal brackets and ceramic brackets having MBT prescription and 0.022”slot. Two CBCT images were recorded at T0 and Tx. T0 point represented the stage of transition from a 0.017” × 0.025” NiTi wire to a 0.019” × 0.025” fiber composite or NiTi archwire. The Tx time point represented the end of treatment phase using 0.019” × 0.025” dimension wire, i.e. after 3 months of T0 scan. Results The mean angulation change from T0 to Tx in fiber composite wire group and NiTi wire group was tested using Wilcoxon signed rank test and showed that the difference was statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions It was concluded that fiber reinforced composite wires were comparable to NiTi wires in their ability to deliver consistent forces and bring about comparable torque in individual teeth.