Theoretical evaluation of Nickel-Titanium Mtwo series rotary files

Nickel-Titanium rotary files are a technological development that enables dentists to prepare irregularly shaped root canals without altering them. Unfortunately, these files may fracture without any prior visible warning signs. The aim of this study was to perform a theoretical evaluation of the mechanical behaviour of Mtwo Nickel-Titanium rotary files for endodontics, in order to determine which of the files in the basic series are most likely to fracture. Mathematical models of the Mtwo basic file series were analyzed using the finite elements method. Bending and torsion loads were applied to the files both under normal conditions and under extreme conditions, to determine which of them had the highest Von Mises stresses. When the approximation was similar to normal use none of the file models reached the maximum limit of failure by fracture. When used inadequately, file models 10/0.04 and 25/0.06 had the highest Von Mises stresses for bending and torsion, respectively. Thus, it is recommended that Mtwo files 10/0.04 and 25/0.06 should be used once only, to prevent fractures.