Beta titanium: a new orthodontic alloy.

Historically, few alloys have been used in the fabrication of orthodontic appliances. This article reviews the gold-based, stainless steel, chrome-cobalt-nickel, and nitinol alloys, as well as beta titanium, a new material for orthodontics. Mechanical properties and manipulative characteristics are summarized to develop a basis for the selection of the proper alloy for a given clinical situation. The beta titanium wire has a unique balance of low stiffness, high springback, formability, and weldability which indicates its use in a wide range of clinical applications. A number of such applications are described.