A Comparative in vivo evaluation of clinical effectiveness between traditional cu-niti and SmartArchTM Multiforce Archwires in the early stages of orthodontic alignment
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Archwires are essential in fixed orthodontic treatment as they provide the forces necessary for tooth movement. Traditional copper-nickel-titanium (Cu-NiTi) archwires provide continuous, uniform forces, whereas newer SmartArch™ multiforce archwires are designed with variable-force zones to optimise tooth movement. However, clinical evidence comparing their effectiveness remains limited. Aim: To compare and evaluate the alignment efficiency of Traditional Cu-NiTi archwires and SmartArch™ multiforce archwires during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-centred, randomised comparative clinical study included 30 patients (15 per group). Group A received conventional Cu NiTi archwires, while Group B received SmartArch™ multiforce archwires. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) and at intervals of four weeks up to 16 weeks (T4), an assessment of Alignment efficiency was performed using Little’s Irregularity Index (LII). The secondary outcomes involved measuring intercanine and intermolar widths. Statistical analysis was carried out using independent and paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed a significant reduction in Little’s Irregularity Index (LII) over time, achieving complete alignment by T4. However, there were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups at any point regarding alignment efficiency, intercanine width, and intermolar width (p < 0.05). Transverse changes were mainly observed in the anterior region, while the dimensions in the posterior area remained the same. Conclusion: Both SmartArch™ and traditional Cu-NiTi archwires effectively achieved initial orthodontic alignment, with both groups demonstrating a significant reduction in Little’s Irregularity Index. The two types of archwires produced similar increases in intercanine width, while intermolar width remained unchanged, indicating that the primary movement occurred in the anterior teeth. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2026/03/106428 [Registered on 17/03/2026] Clinical Trial Registry India, (https//ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=88300.90308)
Source: Research Square
Institution: Vinayaka Missions University
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7212868838