The Micromechanical Properties and Surface Roughness of Orthodontic Retainer Wires-An In Vitro Analysis.

stainless steel wires are the most resistant, considering both the shape retention capacity and the ability to resist abrasive wear. The titanium wire showed the lowest hardness and, thus, the highest susceptibility to deformation. Bond-a-braid, Retainium and Orthoflex white gold are more resistant to fracture than other steel wires. Titanium wire and chain retainer wires have more roughness, which is a great advantage in terms of mechanical adhesion to composite materials.