BASIC PROPERTIES OF SUPER-ELASTIC NI-TI ALLOY LIGATURE WIRES FOR A NEW INTERMAXILLARY FIXATION METHOD

A new continuous wiring method of intermaxillary fixation with super-e lastic Ni-Ti alloy ligature wires was developed to avoid the risk in p ostoperative emergency. Differential scanning calorimetry, three-point bending tests and fastening tests were carried out to investigate bas ic properties of the wires. Transformation temperatures of the Ni-Ti a lloy wires were in the range suitable for exhibiting superelasticity a t body temperature. The Ni-Ti alloy wires possessed enough bending fle xibility to be used in the continuous wiring method and showed great r ecoverable displacement in the fastening test. With use of these prope rties, easy removal in an emergency and uniform fixation can be attain ed.