Torsional and bending properties of stainless steel and nickel titanium Canal Master U and Flexogate instruments.

The purpose of this study was to assess and to compare the torsional and bending properties of the Canal Master U (CMU) and Flexogate instruments made of stainless steel and nickel titanium. The bending moment, the torsional moment and angular deflection were measured according to ANSI/ADA specification number 28 and ISO reference number 3630. Ten instruments of each size, sizes 25 to 40 were used for each test. Nickel titanium instruments were significantly more flexible than stainless steel files. With regard to the torsional moment, values obtained were below the standards in all sizes except stainless steel CMU sizes 25, 35 and 40, and nickel titanium CMU size 25. Nickel titanium instrument also showed the highest angular deflection values. There were statistically significant differences between nickel titanium files and stainless steel Flexogates and between stainless steel Flexogates and stainless steel CMU. Based on these findings, the use of nickel titanium CMU and Flexogates is encouraged. Given the perceived advantages of both CMU and Flexogate instruments over conventional files for canal preparation, it would appear desirable to have the torque resistance of these instruments improved.