TMA is an archwire material that is intermediate in stiffness between stainless steel and nickel titanium. It has good flexibility and springback along with predictable moderate forces that provide consistent tooth movement. TMA can be used in all stages of treatment but is especially useful as a main working archwire due to its properties. It is formable, weldable, and delivers approximately half the force of stainless steel.

1. Al-noor University college
TMA - ti a,w
Aisha Muwafaq

2. Beta-titanium(TMA) archwire
Pure titanium can exist in two phases:
 Alpha phase represents low temperature (below 885 °C)
 beta phase represents high temperature (above 885 °C)
Charles J. Burstone and Dr. Goldberg developed the β-Titanium when they
combined Molybdenum with pure titanium.
Betatitanium(TMA) wire has been proven to be highly useful in orthodontic
treatment because of its intermediate stiffness between stainless steel and the
nickel titanium memory alloys. In addition, it is highly formable and has
approximately twice the springback or range of action of an equivalent stainless
steel wire. One of the unique characteristics of TMA is its ability to be welded
without soldering, to produce effective joints that do not weaken the mechanical
properties of the wire.

3. TMA has indications for all stages of treatment. Because of its intermediate
stiffness between stainless steel and the nickel-titanium memory alloys, it is
especially beneficial as a main working archwire. TMA has good flexibility
and springback characteristics along with predictable forces for consistent
control.

4. 1. All Stage - TMA is recommended for t0oth alignment, space closure
mital and curve of Spee. We oller prefomed Reverse Curve TMA and
Reverse Curve TMA with "T" Loops.
2. Intermediate Stage - TMA is recommended for carly tonque control
with moderate forces. TMA alio provides complete manipulanion of
the wire for dimensional control. Indications include use as an ideal
retraction arch while exerting more-constant mnderate forces over
a longer perind of time.
3. Final Stage TMA is used as a detailing wire with moderate force

5. 1. Biocompatibility.
2. torsional strength .
3. stress constancy.
4. physiological compatibility.
5. Shape memory.
6. dynamic interference.
7. wear resistance hysteresis.
8. A high variety of products is now available on the market.
9. good spring back.
10. good formability .
11. Weldability.
12. absence of nickel makes it useful for patient allergic to nickel.
13. T.M.A's moderate forces are moderate less trauma for ,the patient and
increases patient comfort.

6. High coefficient of friction: Therefore it is disadvantageous in sliding
mechanics.
A. Biocompatibility
B. Corrosion resistance
C. High spring-back
D. Low stiffness
E. High formability
F. The ability of direct welding.

7.  TMA has a modulus of elasticity that is less than
that of stainless steel and about twice that of
nitinol.
 A beta-titanium wire can therefore be deflected
almost twice as much as stainless steel wire without
permanent deformation.
 Beta-titanium wires also deliver about half the
amount of force as do comparable stainless steel
wire.
 The former configuration has the added advantage
of full bracket engagement and a resultant greater
torque control than the smaller stainless steel wire.

8.  The good formability of beta-titanium-wire allows
stops and loops to be bent into the wire.
 Helices that are commonly used with stainless steel
to lower the load deflection rate of the appliance may
not be necessary with beta-titanium wires because of
their low modulus of elasticity and high spring back.
This helps to simplify appliance design by
eliminating the need to place loops and helices in the
wire.
 It is possible to attach stops, hooks, and active
auxiliaries by welding to beta-titanium wires,
thereby increasing the versatility of the wire.
 Overheating of the wire causes it to become brittle.

9. The mechanical characteristics of orthodontic archwires are very important in
achieving clinical succes. The forces developed by orhodontic archwires should be
kept at minimal levels in oder to preserve the periodontal health and to avoid the
unwanted secondary effects. The forces developed by TMA archwires are
depended on many factors, including size, diameter and shape. In adult patients,
the size of TMA wires are always chosen in smaller diameters, especially in those
with periodontal problems and alveolar loss.
TMA is an excellent choice for auxiliary springs and for intermediate and finishing
archwires TMA is recommended for early torque control with moderate forces.TMA
also provides complete modification of the wire for dimensional control.
TMA is unsuitable for applications that require a flexible wire. Another drawback
of TMA wires is their high surface roughness, which produces high friction between
the archwire and bracket

10.  Burstone CJ, Goldberg AJ (February 1980). "Beta titanium: a new
orthodontic alloy". American Journal of Orthodontics.
 JUVVADI, Shubhaker Rao, et al. Physical, mechanical, and
flexural properties of 3 orthodontic wires: an in-vitro study.
American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics,
2010, 138.5: 623-630.
 SZUHANEK, CAMELIA; FLESER, T.; GLAVAN, FLORICA.
Mechanical behavior of orthodontic TMA wires. WSEAS Trans
Biol Biomed, 2010, 7.3: 277-86.
 BETA TITANIUM ( TMA) Source: Burstone, AJO-DO:1980 feb