Original Research
Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 2 | Page : 29-42
Comparison of Heat-Activated Copper Nickel-Titanium and Multistranded Stainless Steel Archwires on Pain Perception and Alignment Efficiency: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Sobitha Obili-1, Gowri Sankar Singaraju-2, Venkatesh Nettam-3, Ravindra Vangala-4, Prasad Mandava-5
1-Postgraduate Resident, 2-Professor, 3-Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Narayana Dental College, Nellore, 4-Professor and Head, Gitam Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh , 5-Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics, Narayana Dental College , Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India -524003.
Address for Correspondence:
Dr Prasad Mandava
Professor and Head,
Department of Orthodontics, Narayana Dental College,
Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India -524003.
Email :mandavabruno9@gmail.com
ORCID ID:0000-0003-3024-544X
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The initial archwires during the alignment phase must be effective and cause as little pain as possible for the patient. There is limited information that compares heat-activated copper nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) and multistranded stainless steel archwires.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the impact of 0.016-inch copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) archwires and 0.0175-inch multistranded stainless steel archwires on alignment efficiency, changes in transverse dimensions, and pain perception during the initial phase of treatment.
METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 48 subjects, of whom 32 completed the study. Participants were allocated to receive either 0.016-inch CuNiTi or 0.0175-inch multistranded stainless steel archwires. Alignment was assessed using Little’s Irregularity Index, and transverse dimensions were measured on dental casts at baseline (T0) and 6 weeks (T6). Pain was evaluated using a 10-point visual analogue scale at T1 (4 h), T2 (24 h), T3 (3 d), T4 (7 d), T5 (30 d), and T6 (6 wks.). Statistical analysis included independent paired t-tests, Mann–Whitney U test, and Friedman test.
RESULTS: CuNiTi archwires demonstrated greater alignment reduction at 6 weeks (3.55 ± 0.39 mm vs 2.55 ± 0.78 mm; p = 0.0001), while intercanine width increased more with multistranded SS (0.84 ± 0.26 mm vs 0.64 ± 0.11 mm; p = 0.0105). Regarding pain, CuNiTi caused higher scores at 4 hours (4.19 ± 1.67 vs 2.44 ± 0.79; p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this short-term study, CuNiTi showed greater early alignment reduction, while pain differences were transient. Both archwire systems are clinically useful, and selection should be guided by crowding severity, patient comfort, and cost-effectiveness.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2021/02/031065
KEYWORDS: Orthodontic Wires; Nickel-Titanium Alloys; Multistranded; Pain; Alignment
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND FUNDING
Nil
How to cite this article: Sobitha Obili, Gowri Sankar Singaraju, Venkatesh Nettam, Ravindra Vangala, Prasad Mandava. Comparison of Heat-Activated Copper Nickel-Titanium and Multistranded Stainless Steel Archwires on Pain Perception and Alignment Efficiency: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2026; 17 (2): 29-42.
Doi: 10.56501/Intjorthodrehabil.172.ijor0096
