Endonol® Nitinol (NiTi)

Nitinol is used for thousands of applications and there are many different grades. The most used application in dentistry for Nitinol is orthodontic wire. Literally miles of “cheap” Nitinol orthodontic wire are made every day. This form of Nitinol wire is much less expensive than other forms of Nitinol and does not have the ideal properties to make a good endodontic rotary file. That’s why Guidance developed Endonol®, an enhanced Nitinol with properties specifically intended for endodontic rotary files. We find it makes all the difference in producing the best rotary file in the world.


Important Fact: Nitinol

To prevent overheating

1. NiTi rotary files should be used between 200-300 RPM, ideally 250 RPM.

2. Follow the One (1) Second Rule.

Do not allow rotary files to engage and cut dentin for more than one (1) second. This will reduce the heat from the cutting of the canal walls. After one (1) second of cutting, lift the file up a few millimeters to disengage cutting, and allow it to cool for one (1) second while it is still rotating. Then reengage the file. This should be done three times, then go to the next file.


Another Important Fact: Beware of the Curve

Nitinol, when bent, produces an exothermic reaction (gives off heat). When a file is rotating and going around a curve, it is being bent back and forth. This will give off extreme heat in that portion of the file. Therefore, if the file is rotating around a curve, it must be lifted up and out of the curve for one (1) second to allow it to cool.