NCT07176871

Comparing HANT and Conventional NiTi Archwires in Alignment

Comparing the Alignment Effectiveness of Heat-activated Nickel-titanium (HANT) Versus Conventional Sequences Nickel-titanium (NiTi) Archwires: A Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (actual)
• Sponsor: Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 16 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficiency of two orthodontic archwire sequences for correcting maxillary anterior crowding. Forty extraction patients (Little's irregularity index: 7-9 mm) were randomly assigned to either a sequence incorporating heat-activated nickel-titanium (HANT) archwires or a conventional NiTi sequence. Digital scans at baseline and monthly intervals up to 6 months assessed alignment changes, while CBCT measured root length and alveolar bone alterations. Pain intensity was recorded using a visual analog scale at 24 hours, 3 days, and 1 week after archwire placement. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Detailed description

Objective: To compare the clinical efficiency of two sequences of orthodontic wires to correct crowding of the maxillary anterior teeth, one using conventional nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires and the other utilizing nickel-titanium (NiTi) combined heat-activated nickel-titanium (HANT) archwires in terms of alignment effectiveness, tooth root length, alveolar bone changes, and pain intensity. Methods: Forty patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment with Little's irregularity index of 7 to 9 mm, who needed first premolar extractions, were recruited. A lottery was conducted for the patients, assigning odd numbers to use HANT archwires (0.014 NiTi, 0.019x0.025 HANT, and 0.019x0.025 SS). (Group 1), and even numbers to use conventional NiTi archwire sequences (0.014 NiTi, 0.016 NiTi, 0.016x0.022 NiTi, 0.019x0.025 NiTi, and 0.019x0.025 SS) (Group 2). Digital scans were taken of the maxilla arch before archwire placement (T0) and at each month (30 days) follow-up leading up to the 6th month (T6). The rate of tooth alignment was measured on digital dental casts by determining Little's irregularity index. The pain experienced by the patient was evaluated 24 hours, 3 days, and 1 week following the placement of the archwire, using a visual analog scale (VAS). Cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) radiographs of the maxillary anterior teeth were taken before and after alignment to evaluate changes in tooth root length and alveolar bone. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18.0), with significance at p ≤ 0.05.

Conditions

• Orthodontic

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Archwires	All patients were treated with 0.022-inch MBT brackets and sequential NiTi/HANT archwires. A 0.014 NiTi wire was placed initially, followed by monthly archwire changes if no deflection remained. Digital scans were taken from baseline (T0) to 6 months (T6) to measure alignment using Little's irregularity index. Pain was recorded at 24 hours, 3 days, and 1 week with a visual analog scale. CBCT scans before and after alignment assessed root length and alveolar bone changes, with standardized 3D superimpositions ensuring accurate comparisons.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-07-01
• Primary completion: 2025-07-01
• Completion: 2025-07-01
• First posted: 2025-09-16
• Last updated: 2025-09-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Vietnam