This study compared the effects of stainless steel hand instruments and nickel-titanium rotary FlexMaster files on root canal curvature during root canal preparation. 194 root canals were prepared by 8 experienced dentists, with 110 canals prepared using FlexMaster files and 84 canals prepared using hand instruments. The results showed that the use of FlexMaster files resulted in significantly less straightening of the root canals and shorter preparation times, compared to the use of hand instruments. Master apical file sizes were also significantly larger when using FlexMaster files.