[Success and failure in orthodontic maxillofacial treatment with superelastic shape-memory nickel-titanium wires. Apropos of 4 examples].

We present four clinical cases to show the usefulness of superelastic shape-memory NiTi alloy wires in orthodontics. Martensitic and austenitic states of the alloy facilitate wire insertion in the bracket slot, creating a gently continuous force to move the tooth whatever the deformation of the wire. Use of a more physiological force lessens the risk of therapeutic errors due to misevaluated dysfunction and/or underlying dysmorphism.