Relation between laboratory cantilever bending test and finite element analysis of five different nickel-titanium rotary instruments

Abstract

Flexibility during bending is a critical feature that influences the performance and safety of endodontic nickel-titanium rotary instruments. Flexibility of the endodontic files could be assessed via laboratory test or indicated theoretically by finite element analysis (FEA). The aim of the study is to determine the cantilever load required for bending five different nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments (laboratory test) and to calculate maximum von Mises stresses due to bending moment and vertical displacement (deflection) (theoretically by FEA) and compare both results.