The flexure modulus of elasticity of orthodontic wires

The flexure moduli of elasticity of solid and multi-stranded orthodontic wires were determined. Results for the solid wires approximated their tensile values, but the differences were statistically significant for the stainless steel, chromium-cobalt-nickel, and nickel-titanium alloys. The flexure moduli of the multi-stranded wires ranged from 0.89 to 5.11 X 10(6) psi, and were dependent on the direction of activation.