Mechanical properties of the NiTi Memoria Leaf Spring Activated Expander (NiTi MLSAE) for maxillary transverse discrepancy correction: An in-vitro study

Background To determine the mechanical properties of the NiTi Memoria® Leaf Spring Activated Expander (NiTi MLSAE) in two forms, unaltered (unbent) and altered (bent) to mimic clinical use. Material and Methods This in-vitro pilot study was conducted using eight NiTi MLSAE expanders (American Tooth Industries, Oxnard, California) representing four force magnitudes: 10mm 500g, 10mm 900g, 6mm 450g and 6mm 900g models. Two experiments were performed: the first tested the expanders in their unbent form and the second tested them after they were bent by one experienced technician. All expanders were adapted to a standard three dimensional printed maxillary study model. A Dillion Quantrol 500N (1…