Glossary of Terms

Martensitic State: The soft or cold state of NiTi wire. Heat activated (Thermal) NiTi wires are in this state before reaching body temperature in mouth.

Austenitic State: The strongest or warm state of wire where forces exerted are more.

Austenite Finish Temperature (Af): Temperature at which complete phase transformation has occurred from martensite to austenite. At this temperature no martensite is left in the material.

Superelasticity: It refers to the enormous elasticity of the material (over ten times that of stainless steel) at a constant temperature above the austenitic finish temperature (Af).

Shape Memory: It describes the materials ability to restore a predetermined shape when heated to a higher temperature over the austenite finish temperature (Af).

Loading Force: It is the amount of force generated when the wire is deflected during ligation. Also known as ligating force.

Unloading Force: It is the force generated by wire when it rebounds or returns to its original shape.